How does player of the season make 3rd best?
A player of his ilk will always be popular with the majority of fans. He is whole hearted and that's what stands out.
However I genuinely believe that we wouldn't have explored the following scenarios before accepting the bid:-
1) Deny him the move, piss him off and risk losing him for free next summer
2) negotiations have already been ongoing behind the scenes and it was looking likely that he might hold out to see what his options were after next season
3) He got wind of Norwich's interest before the above negotiations were concluded and thought - I live in Kent from my Gillingham days, Brighton to Kent or Norwich to Kent is equidistant and Norwich are already in the Championship with a nice ground and solid finances, Brighton COULD be in the Championship in another year with a nice ground and solid finances - f*** it lets go where the known variables exist. Norwich = Championship + nice ground + better wages.
4) Lets take the money on offer now, rather than lose as per options 1 + 2 and go on to spend the money on a better player now.
Genuinely feel that this is the in the best interest of all parties.
Best of luck Crofts, good luck fighting for your place in the team and joining a team that could struggle. Enjoy your extra £2k per week.