Chris Hughton has paid tribute to the players Albion are letting go – and admitted contract decisions this year were as tough as ever.

Albion have told Gordon Greer, Bobby Zamora, Andrew Crofts, Inigo Calderon and Adam Chicksen their contracts, due to expire on June 30, are not being renewed.

Bruno has signed for another year, Casper Ankergren and Niki Maenpaa are thinking over proposed new deals while on-loan Steve Sidwell and James Wilson have returned to parent clubs Stoke City and Manchester United respectively.

Hughton said: "It never gets any easier to make these decisions or to deliver the news to players – particularly on the back of such a good season.

“In the case of Gordon and Calde, there is the added factor of their standing with the club. They are our two longest-serving players in the current squad, and have each achieved so much for this football club.

"Similarly with Andrew Crofts, he has been an excellent servant across two spells here. He's another who's given so much to the club.

"With Bobby, his history with Brighton was written long before I arrived, but he has only added to that in this past season, with his performances, goals and contribution in the dressing room.

"Adam is a fantastic young professional and, while he hasn't been able to break through into the first-team here, I am certain he has a bright future ahead of him and plenty to offer going forward.

"On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank them all for their efforts and wish them the very best for the future.

“They are welcome back here at any time, and each of them has been an absolute pleasure to manage."