Opinion: Retaining Loft and Chamberlain was a surprise

6:22pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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The qualities of certain players have always been the subject for much debate among supporters but I expect there would have been a lot of mutual head scratching among Albion fans this week.

Only the most romantic among them would have held out much hope of old favourites like Kerry Mayo, Gary Hart and Guy Butters surviving the end of season clearout but it is the identity of two of those not shown the door which has raised the most eyebrows.

Obviously Dean Wilkins must see something in Scott Chamberlain and Doug Loft to hand them another chance despite the fact they have hardly set the world alight as professionals.

Loft was signed from Hastings United by former boss Mark McGhee in January 2006 but has only started seven games since with another 24 appearances as a substitute.

Chamberlain was given a two-year pro deal after coming through the ranks in 2006 but his only experience of first team action was when he came off the bench in the Johnston Paints Trophy defeat at Bristol City in January 2007.

Compare that with someone like David Martot who made 31 appearances this season alone but was allowed to leave or Sam Rents, another young prospect, who has played more than 30 games for the first team.

You could argue that both are still learning their trade but Loft turns 22 later this year while Chamberlain is hardly still wet behind the ears at the age of 20.

Tommy Fraser and Dean Cox are only a few months older than Chamberlain but between them they have made more than 150 appearances and are established first team players.

Hopefully both will prove Wilkins' judgement right and develop into fine players next season but the only way they will do that is if the manager gives them an opportunity.

The other interesting thing to come from the mass cull of out-of-contract players is that it leaves the Seagulls without a recognised left-back.

Matt Richards was the regular in that position last season but was only on loan from Ipswich while Mayo and Rents have been told they are surplus to requirements.

What do you think?