Albion's plans for the area of the pitch where points are often won or lost in the Premier League are starting to take shape.

Steve Sidwell's straightforward decision to sign on for another year is another building block in place.

Manager Chris Hughton exclusively revealed to The Argus last month his tactical blueprint for the step up.

He said of the 4-4-2 system used to get Albion promoted: "I would see myself at times playing it but also very much a 4-4-1-1."

Three days later, the Seagulls made German No.10 Pascal Gross from Ingolstadt their first signing for their return to the top flight for the first time since 1983.

A week before Hughton outlined his philosophy, Dale Stephens committed his future to the club by penning a new four-year deal.

Hughton wants to sign another central midfielder, ideally Australian international Aaron Mooy, who was instrumental in Huddersfield's promotion via the play-offs on loan from Manchester City.

Albion have an open mind about borrowing or buying Mooy, should City choose to sell.

Stephens, Mooy or an alternative, Sidwell and Beram Kayal will be fighting for two spots, sometimes perhaps three away from the Amex.

The Seagulls have moved on considerably from two seasons ago, when Stephens and Kayal completely dominated the central midfield positions.

Kayal (below), currently with Israel preparing for Sunday night's World Cup qualifier at home to Albania, only started 17 league games this time around, due to a combination of an ankle fracture and the dependable form of Sidwell.

The Argus: Hughton said: "Beram was a consistent player the season before. In that period of being out, it took him a little longer to get into a rhythmn and by that stage Steve Sidwell had played games and got a bit more consistency.

"There was more competition in that midfield area than the season before.

"I am quite happy with him being away. He wouldn't have played as much as he would have liked and I would like to think we'll benefit from his international games.

"There is no doubt Beram has an ability and he is a good player. But what we want, and what we will have, is good competition in that midfield area."

That competition is unlikely to include Oliver Norwood, who lines up for Northern Ireland again tomorrow in their World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan after featuring in last Friday's friendly win against New Zealand in Belfast.

The 26-year-old Lancastrian made one fewer start than the injury-hit Kayal in Albion's promotion campaign following his arrival last summer from Reading.

Hughton said: "He hasn't had the amount of games he would have liked. I think he will benefit from this one (Azerbaijan).

"Also, it's a nice touch for him. It's been a difficult season for him. He's somebody who wants to play.

"It was tough for him with the form of Steve Sidwell in particular. He would have been looking forward to these international games perhaps The Argus: even more."

Of the others, Irishman Richie Towell (above left) will be sent out on loan after extending his contract.

So too, again, will Rohan Ince. He has already had spells in the last two seasons with Fulham and Swindon.

Meanwhile, Sidwell with his wealth of Premier League experience, and the fellow midfielders who will be battling for game time can expect more downs than they have been accustomed to after two seasons in the top three in the Championship.

The 34-year-old veteran of 200 top flight appearances for Reading, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Fulham and Stoke told The Argus: "They are in for a roller-coaster ride.

"We won 28 games this year and lost nine. That's going to be reversed.

"The most important thing they have got to grasp is that this year you could take for granted getting three points, turn up at home thinking 'We'll win today'.

"You can't do that in the Premier League and every point is vital, every win is absolutely vital.

"They've got to grasp that very quickly. A win early on in the season is key, to get off to a good start.

"There are going to be spells when we maybe don't win in seven or eight games. That togetherness, that team spirit we have showed this year, it is easy when you are top of the league.

"It is a real test of character, individually and collectively, when it is the other away around and you at the bottom - if we are at the bottom.

"So there are going to be times when emotions run high and that's when we stick together and show our togetherness to get through that.

"It's going to be tough but that's what you want. You don't want any easy rides, you want to test yourself against the best. You don't want any gimmies.

"That's the best feeling, when you come off the pitch and you've had to really dig deep for a hard-fought win. There's no better feeling than that."