Albion prospect Tommy Elphick has vowed he will not suffer from second season syndrome.

Elphick was named player of the season after performing consistently in the centre of defence in his first campaign as a first team regular.

Players bursting on to the scene often struggle the following year but Elphick is determined that will not happen to him.

He has taken on board advice from his dad, Gary, a former centre-half with Stoke, and Albion assistant Dean White.

Elphick said: "I'm not worried about second season syndrome. The first thing my dad said to me when the season was over was to make sure that doesn't happen to me.

"It has happened to loads of players down the line. I had a chat with Dean White not so long ago and he told me to make sure I come back fit and healthy and raring to go.

"I am not one to rest on what I have done. I am looking to improve even more next season."

Elphick starred for Albion after recovering from a hernia operation. He has already been working hard with brother and ex-Seagull Gary in preparation for when the players report back at the end of the month and their first taste of life under re-appointed manager Micky Adams.

He said: "I had my injury halfway through the season. I hadn't played so many games at this level before so it was important for me at that time to get myself right.

"I had two or three weeks of complete rest and from then on I was back on it. There is not really a summer for a footballer anymore. You are always trying to improve.

"I have been down to the park with my brother, working on weaknesses, so it definitely won't be down to lack of preparation if I have that second season syndrome but I'm sure I won't."