Albion youngsters are quids in since one of football's great traditions was given the boot.

Some youth team players are now paid by senior professionals to clean their boots.

It used to be part of an aspiring pro's duties, along with tasks such as cleaning the dressing rooms and stadium.

That all changed when three-year scholarships were introduced, combining football with education.

If the Seagulls decide to release a young player after two years they have to pay his wages for the final year should he choose to continue his college studies.

The new regulations also brought to an end the apprentice professional's customary chores.

Martin Hinshelwood, Albion's director of youth, revealed: "Our kids do jobs unofficially.

"One or two earn a few quid off the pros by looking after their boots.

"If one of our pros is prepared to pay £20 for one of the kids to clean his boots our attitude is good luck to him."

Among those cashing in is Hinshelwood's nephew Adam, although he may not be able to for much longer. He takes care of the transfer-seeking Danny Cullip's boots!

Hinshelwood, a team-mate of Peter Taylor at Crystal Palace, hankers for a return to the old days.

"You used to have to clean the stadium before and after matches, so in that respect our kids are lucky we haven't got one of our own.

"I think it's sad that it has changed. Cleaning boots didn't make me a better player, but it made you aware of your responsibilities off the pitch. It was part and parcel of learning about the game."

Hinshelwood junior and his young colleagues tackle Hull in the third round of the FA Youth Cup at Woodside Road, Worthing, on Wednesday (7pm).

Meanwhile, third-year scholar Chris McPhee caught the eye of manager Taylor in a recent first team run-out.

Taylor said: "McPhee came on as a substitute in the LDV and looked a very powerful young forward, so hopefully he will keep improving."

McPhee's late introduction against Wycombe Wanderers at Withdean was his first taste of front line action for 18 months. He made four substitute appearances in the 1999-2000 season.

McPhee, now 18, made his senior debut at the age of 16 at Swansea.

Youth team coach Dean Wilkins is satisfied with the progress of the rookie striker from Eastbourne.

Wilkins said: "He is doing okay. At the start of the season we were playing 4-3-3 and he was the lone one down the middle.

"I felt at the time Micky (Adams) was either going to go 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, so I was trying to give the young lads an understanding of how to play in that system.

"I've gone back to 4-4-2 and he seems more comfortable with that. He is scoring more freely now.

"He needs to increase his ratio of chances to goals, but he is aware of that and we are working hard on it in training.

"When he is on fire he is really exciting to watch. He just needs to get that consistency into his game and stick more of those chances away, because his movement gets him into a lot of great areas."

McPhee might get another opportunity in the LDV southern section quarter-final visit to Cambridge United on December 4.

That is only four days before Albion entertain Rushden and Diamonds in the FA Cup, so Taylor must decide whether to maintain the policy of fielding the fringe players in the knockout competition for Division Two, Three and Nationwide Conference clubs.

McPhee, ineligible for the FA Youth Cup, could be involved in Tuesday's Sussex Senior Cup second round tie for the reserves at Bognor (7.45).