Albion have told four members of their development squad they have no future with the club.

Ryan Simmonds, Jamie Strong, Mitch Walker and Leon Redwood have all been released.

It is a second such setback for wideman Simmonds, who was let go by Aston Villa after skippering them to the FA Youth Cup final two years ago.

Goalkeeper Walker is the only member of the quartet to have played first team football for the Seagulls.

Development squad coach Luke Williams is convinced they can still make a living out of the game.

Williams said: “They have been very professional and I would be very surprised if they don’t go on to get a club at some level in the professional footballing pyramid.

“They are very good players and all have a future in the game.”

Walker’s only appearance was on the final day of the 2009-10 season.

No decision has yet been announced on a further five out-of-contract development squad players. They include defender Grant Hall, who started both FA Cup ties against Wrexham last season.