Chris Hughton has underlined why Simon Rusk has a big role to play for Albion next season.

The Seagulls boss could have more need to call on his development squad as teams get through the campaign without the fallback option of emergency loans.

Rusk will concentrate on his role as under-21s boss having combined that job with first-team coach duties in the second half of last season after Nathan Jones left to become Luton Town manager.

The Seagulls have brought in ex-Norwich coach Paul Nevin to join Hughton, Colin Calderwood and goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts on the first team staff.

Hughton said: "Simon stepped up and did an excellent job. He is an exceptional young coach with a very bright future ahead and I'm delighted we have him in charge of our under-21 group.

"The importance of the under-21 group increases this season, with no option of emergency loans, and therefore it will be of huge benefit to have such a strong lead coach - but also one who has had that time with the first team group."