Tony Bloom admits Albion are parting company with a quartet of players whose names “loom large” in the club’s history books.
The Albion chairman recognised, in particular, the part ex-skippers Gordon Greer and Andrew Crofts, goal-getter Bobby Zamora and cult hero Inigo Calderon had played for the club as they were released today.
Bloom said: "I would like to thank each of the five players for their efforts on behalf of the club but, in particular, four players whose names loom large in the history books of Brighton and Hove Albion.
Andrew Crofts scores in a memorable 3-1 win at Southampton
"Gordon has been our captain over the past six seasons and has been a key part of our team since his arrival from Swindon. Leading us to the League One championship in 2011 and three top-six finishes in the Championship, he has shown great passion and determination for the club.
"Since he arrived in 2010, Calde has been an inspiration – on and off the pitch. His achievements as a player - coming in and helping stabilise the team in 2010, winning the League One title in 2011 and helping us to three play-off campaigns - have earned him cult status in the city.
“It's not just his work on the pitch which have made him so popular with our supporters. His work in the community has been rightly recognised with a number of personal awards and accolades.
Inigo Calderon on his debut for Albion, at Walsall in January, 2010
"Crofty has been a great servant to us, across two separate spells with the club, spanning five years in total. He was captain in his first spell and has been equally inspirational this time around. He has been extremely unfortunate in injuring his cruciate ligament twice in his most recent spell.
Bobby Zamora scores at Blackburn this season
"Bobby is arguably the club's greatest-ever striker and he has had a fantastic career, including that unforgettable first spell with the Albion – and this season's contribution has been marvellous and such a thrill for all our fans.
“The label of ‘legend’ is perhaps overused but there is no question that Bobby has attained this status with Brighton and Hove Albion."
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