The Welsh attacker Peter Sayer had helped to create an electric atmosphere at the Goldstone in the 1978/79 season with some of his exciting runs. But, as discussed in Shoot! magazine, with the Brighton side now in the heights of the top flight, he found the competition for places even tougher than ever:
Brighton’s young star, Peter Sayer, hopes that promotion to the First Division will mean more international recognition for him.
Sayer left Cardiff, his home town club, in February, 1978, four months after he had gained his seventh cap for Wales in a World Cup qualifying match with Scotland at Anfield. And since then, life hasn’t always gone as smoothly as the youngster would have liked.
“Competition for places is very tight at Brighton and no one is certain of a first team spot,” he says. “I lost mine when I was injured early in the New Year and I couldn’t get it back. But that sort of competition for places is very healthy and I’m sure that it will help Brighton remain a top club.
“I’m convinced I need to play in a top side like this and do well, to get back into the Welsh side. I haven’t played for Wales since that Scotland match and I’m sure that’s because there are now more players available to Mike Smith. You need to be in top class football with a good side to catch the eye and I’m sure my Welsh prospects will be considerably enhanced if l keep playing well for Brighton and they continue to be successful.
“I’m a true, proud Welshman and I want to win more caps for my country. I’m determined to do well for Brighton in the First Division and getback my Welsh shirt.”
After playing the first 18 matches of the 1979/80 season, Sayer never got his place back. He was sold to Preston North End in August 1980. Click here for an interview I did with the Welshman recently for Viva Brighton magazine.
The Goldstone Wrap 