ALBION have completed the capture of Warren Aspinall from Colchester.

Andy Arnott has gone in the opposite direction in a free transfer swap.

The Seagulls have taken over Aspinall's contract, which expires next summer.

Colchester have done the same with Arnott, although his contract does not end until the summer of 2001.

The deal was finally clinched last night, hours before the FA Cup deadline.

Aspinall will now be eligible for next Saturday's first round tie at Peterborough.

His month on loan was due to finish after today's trip to Cheltenham.

The 32-year-old midfielder's hopes of a permanent move were thrown into doubt when Arnott was sent back to Albion after suffering a groin injury for Colchester against Bristol City on Tuesday.

Manager Micky Adams said: "It has been a nightmare, but we've got there in the end.

"I don't think Warren has been firing on all cylinders for us yet, but he has shown enough to suggest he will be a useful addition to the squad.

"Andy Arnott did not figure"

Meanwhile, Adams has paid tribute to Chris Wilder, who joined Halifax yesterday for the rest of the season.

The versatile 32-year-old had virtually been an ever-present for Albion since joining them on a month to month contract at the start of the season.

But he was missing his family in Sheffield.

Adams said: "We will miss him. He has been an outstanding pro, but I can understand his reasons.

"The travelling has been killing him and he has a young family and he wants to be closer to them.

"I always told Chris if he could get a club further north we wouldn't stand in his way.

"We have done the honourable thing in letting him go."

Adams has a ready-made replacement for Wilder in the fit-again Paul Watson.

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