Albion have awarded professional contracts to four of their five second-year scholars.

Goalkeeper Chris Winterton, defender Sonny Cobbs, striker Sam Gargan and winger Lloyd Skinner have all been given one-year deals. The odd one out is midfielder James Martin, who has been released.

Director of football Martin Hinshelwood said: "Unfortunately, James is the one that has missed out. The gaffer has to look at what he has already got in that position.

"It's difficult and it has been harder this year because, as a club, we are very young already. The gaffer is fully aware that he needs to bring some experience in to help the youngsters we have."

The majority of the new recruits have already been out on loan to non-league Sussex clubs, a ploy likely to continue to increase their experience of men's football and help offest the cost of taking them on.

Meanwhile, Albion will be playing a pre-season friendly at Braintree in July or August as part of the deal which brought Alex Revell to the Seagulls last summer.