Albion chairman Dick Knight has branded goalkeeper Wayne Henderson "outrageous" and "very unprofessional" for handing in a transfer request ahead of last night's home game against Bournemouth.

Henderson was due to be on the bench as cover for Michel Kuipers but caretaker boss Dean Wilkins axed him from the squad and drafted in youngster John Sullivan.

Knight said: "I think the timing of his request is absolutely outrageous, with the club in a period of change.

"We don't want players at this club who don't want to play for us but I still think, given the circumstances, the timing is very unfortunate and very unprofessional."

Henderson, 23 this Saturday, has been Albion's regular No. 1 since joining the Seagulls for £20,000 from Aston Villa during the January transfer window after a successful loan spell earlier last season.

He has also established himself in the Republic of Ireland senior squad and was on the bench as cover for Shay Given for the European Championship qualifier in Germany.

Kuipers starred in Henderson's absence in Albion's 1-0 defeat at Bristol City the same day, Mark McGhee's last match as manager.

McGhee told Henderson he would be back in the team for last Saturday's game at Millwall but McGhee was then sacked and Wilkins picked Kuipers. It was the final straw for Henderson, who has been unhappy at Albion for some time.

Sources close to him have revealed to The Argus that he feels he has been harshly treated by some supporters who favour Kuipers Henderson is seeking a loan move until the transfer window re-opens in the new year.