Brighton winger Solly March shares story of how potential Newcastle move fell apart

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Newcastle missed out on Brighton winger Solly March in 2011.

Solly March of Brighton and Hove Albion battles with DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United

Brighton and Hove Albion winger Solly March has told the Daily Star that he was offered a trial by Newcastle United in 2011, but he fell ill on his way to the North East.

March, 23, has emerged as one of the top young English wingers, and he has shown real potential with Brighton this term, notching one goal and one assist in the first six games of the season.

The former England Under-21 international looks set to play an important role for Chris Hughton’s side this season, even after the club-record signing of Jose Izqueirdo, but it all could have been so different for March.

Brighton’s Solly March (R) celebrates scoring against Bournemouth

Whilst he has born in nearby Eastbourne, March attracted major interest from a number of clubs during his time with non-league Lewes, before joining Brighton in 2011.

March has now told the Daily Star that he actually had an offer to join Newcastle United on trial back in 2011, telling the story of how his potential move to St. James’ Park fell apart in bizarre circumstances.

March went up to Tyneside at the age of 17, but fell ill on the way to the North East, passing out in the morning before his planned trial, meaning he couldn’t train with the Magpies in a bid to win a deal.

Brighton’s Solly March in action against Watford

The winger, who faced Newcastle on Sunday, added that he was supposed to return for another trial with Newcastle, but Brighton swooped to sign him instead, and he was more than happy to sign given Brighton’s proximity to Lewes.

“There were a few clubs interested and Newcastle came in,” said March. “They are a big club and I went up there at the age of 17. I don’t really know what happened but I just got ill. I was in the car going up there and I passed out in the morning.”

“I didn’t sleep well the night before and it just happened. It was bizarre – it only lasted a few seconds. I missed the trial and was supposed to go back up there for another one but by that time Brighton came in and it was the right thing to do for me being a local boy.”