Gus Poyet, when he was Albion's manager, referred to 'noise' if there was an issue he felt had been blown out of proportion.

There has been a lot of noise surrounding the future of the Seagulls' current No.1 David Stockdale.

Fans have been debating for weeks the 'will he, won't he' saga across social media platforms.

One supporter, Simon Sykes, went as far as setting up a 'we want you to stay' page after Stockdale came under fire for rejecting the club's contract offer.

I don't know whether Stockdale will still be with Albion in the Premier League.

I don't know how genuine the reported interest is from the likes of Chelsea in becoming their No.2, West Ham or his home city club, Leeds United, or the extent to which it is fuelled by those representing him.

What I do know is it would be great if he stays, nothing like a death knell for the Seagulls' top flight survival hopes if he does not.

David Stockdale is a very good goalkeeper.

He played an outstanding part in securing promotion, as the result-changing performances far outweighed the goal-costing mistakes.

 

Stockdale is 32 in September. The longevity of custodians is greater than that of outfield players but the likeable Yorkshiremen will nevertheless view the decision he takes next as a big one for him and his family.

Albion will, for their part, by now have made him an offer both in terms of salary and length of contract which they regard as suitable.

They will have weighed up how much they value him, the wage structure implications of being a first-time Premier League club and the alternatives.

If the gap is bridgeable then the hopes of Sykes and many others like him could be fulfilled.

The Argus: If not then Stockdale (above) will move on and so will Albion.

They will thank him for his service, as should supporters. There would be no need for rancour and recrimination.

The different world Albion are now entering in elevating themselves from the Championship to the Premier League applies also to the goalkeeping department.

In the second tier it is customary to have one or two senior shot-stoppers, supplemented by a young prospect or prospects.

Hence, for the last two seasons now, Stockdale has held sway over Finnish international Niki Manepaa, with the promising Christian Walton behind them, loaned out at regular intervals to gain more experience.

In the Premier League, having three established goalkeepers on the books is more often than not the norm.

That produces a large pool, yet alone those playing at a high level overseas who might be keen on a move to England.

They are not all accessible to Albion but some will be who are just as good, if not better, than Stockdale.

So there is no cause for panic, no drama.

The indications are that Maenpaa (below), who has looked accomplished in the rare appearances he has made, will stay put.

The Argus: Walton will be loaned out again to further his education.

We can trust manager Chris Hughton, the recruitment team headed by Paul Winstanley, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and owner-chairman Tony Bloom to ensure Albion are as well-equipped as possible within their means between the posts for the Premier League - with or without Stockdale.