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Elliott Bennett has finally completed his move to Premier League newcomers Norwich City, signing for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

Albion were reluctant to lose the winger; nonetheless Gus Poyet has praised the way Bennett has conducted himself during negotiations between the two clubs, and paid tribute to his contribution during his two years with the club.

He told seagulls.co.uk, "I thank Elliott for the way he has approached the situation. He had a great opportunity to leave in January.

"He understood how important he was to us and he agreed to stay another six months to help us get out of League One, but now it's impossible for him to turn down because of the offer and the level he is going to play. On behalf of everyone at the club I wish him well in the Premier League.

"When I came to the club he was seen as just a right winger, but he's also been very impressive playing behind the strikers, playing the shape we played away from home and also in a disciplined role when we were chasing games.

"I always say the best way is for everyone to get better together and that's the perfect situation, but sometimes a player develops quicker. When that happens it's difficult to keep them because we can't compete with the opportunities and salaries in the Premier League."

Bennett has been an ever-present player in the Albion side since signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2009, scoring 17 goals from 100 appearances for the club.

He also links up with his former skipper Andrew Crofts, who joined Norwich last summer from Albion.

Posted By: 1 5CC on June 14th 2011 at 17:34:40

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