Albion released Andrea Orlandi at the end of last season against the advice of outgoing head coach Oscar Garcia.

Orlandi was told he was not being retained the day after the Seagulls’ exit from the play-offs against Derby County and Oscar’s resignation.

The Blackpool midfielder, writing in his weekly blog for a Spanish website, said: “Oscar called me when he noticed the news. He was very surprised and upset.

“He had advised the club to extend my contract. In fact, the Sport Manager (head of football David Burke) asked him about my situation a week before the play-offs, via e-mail, and Oscar answered they should keep me beyond any doubt.”

Orlandi, back at the Amex with Blackpool on Saturday, was influential in his first season at Albion, scoring seven goals in 38 games and topping the combined goals and assists chart.

The 30-year-old former Swansea playmaker was restricted by injuries to 18 appearances last season.

Paul Barber, Albion’s chief executive, said: “Andrea served us well and was very popular.

“However, when it comes to reviewing contracts it’s a decision a group of people make on technical information at the time and how best to use the budget going forward.”

Oscar, now at Watford, misses a reunion with Orlandi tonight. Albion’s ex-boss has been hospitalised by minor chest pains and will not be in charge for the game against Blackpool.