Steve Piper, who was born in Brighton, developed his skills as a youngster in Albion’s youth team, also playing with Tony Towner, another local boy.
As well as playing for the Seagulls’ youth team, Steve also played for both the Sussex and Brighton Boys team.
He played for Albion a total of 160 times after becoming a full-time professional for the club in September 1972, scoring nine goals during his time there. He made his debut for Albion’s first-team at the age of just 19 within a few weeks of signing as a professional.
Steve then played as centre of defence for the next three seasons. He sometimes also played as right-back for Albion, while they were competing in the Second Division and former manager Alan Mullery chose to give Steve a chance as a midfielder in 1976.
His efforts in his newfound position were a great success and he is famed for winning the club’s promotion at the time, seeing players compete in the second tier once again the following season.
After a successful career with the Seagulls, Steve moved to play for Portsmouth in 1976.