Former Albion forward Richie Barker insists he is not a moneygrabber.

A report in a Macclesfield paper claimed transfer-listed Barker was stalling over a £1,000 a week wage offer from the Cheshire club.

Barker declared: "It's a load of rubbish. The figures are nowhere near.

"It makes me look greedy. If I had been offered that I would have signed weeks ago."

NO SURGERY FOR STEELE Lee Steele does not need surgery on the knee he injured in a mysterious car crash.

A scan revealed no rupture, so the former Shrewsbury marksman is expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks.

PLAYOFF PLACE FOR SEAGULLS Albion look certainties for at least a play-off place at the halfway point of the season. New Year's Day visitors Southend are currently seventh, but they are already 13 points adrift of the Seagulls.

WHO'S THE GUY IN THE COAT?

A MAN wearing a Monaco coat was spotted at the Exeter match.

Albion fans needn't worry though. I am assured it wasn't a representative of the French club watching Bobby Zamora!

JOHNSON 'THE BRAIN'?

Lee Johnson has been dubbed "The Brain" by captain Paul Rogers.

The diminutive midfielder embarrassed himself on a recent away trip while playing the board game Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

Rogers revealed: "Johno crashed out on the £300 question once and the £100 question twice."

VIRGO'S PROGRESS Adam Virgo has surprised Albion youth boss Dean Wilkins with his progress.

The 18-year-old former Ardingly College centre-back was substitute in a league game for the first time at Barnet on Boxing Day.

Wilkins said: "I didn't expect Adam to come on as quickly as he has. His fitness last season when he did come in was poor, but he's worked hard and making excellent progress."

Albion drew 0-0 at Portsmouth in the Youth Alliance last Friday.