Albion stalwart Kerry Mayo has urged unsettled goalkeeper Wayne Henderson to change his mind and stay with the club.

Mayo's plea coincides with the Seagulls turning down Henderson's transfer request, dashing his hopes of a loan move until the transfer window re-opens in January.

Caretaker manager Dean Wilkins has also revealed that Tony Stokes has returned to West Ham part way through his second month on loan after he was left out of the squad at Millwall last Saturday.

Henderson made his request for a move hours before Tuesday's 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth.

Mayo said: "It's a bit of a surprise. Wayne has obviously got his reasons and it is not for me to make any comment on that.

"He obviously feels strongly to make that decision and whatever happens to Wayne in the future I wish him all the best, hopefully with us.

"He's a great team member, he's got great spirit in the dressing room and he's just generally a great guy. His distribution is great, his goalkeeping is great and we want him here with us."

Henderson was due to be on the bench as cover for rival Michel Kuipers against Bournemouth.

Chairman Dick Knight branded him "very unprofessional" and Wilkins axed him from the squad and drafted in youngster John Sullivan.

Wilkins was particularly annoyed that Henderson's team-mates found out as they tucked into their pre-match meal.

"His transfer request has been denied after discussions between myself, Dean White (assistant) and the chairman," Wilkins said. "The Board are aware of it as well.

"I thought Wayne's timing was very inappropriate. That was the reason for leaving him out of the squad completely and that's how it is at the moment."

Wilkins has not decided whether Henderson will be back on the bench for tomorrow's home game against Leyton Orient.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Wilkins suffered a double whammy on the afternoon of the Bournemouth match.

Stokes, who was in contention for a place among the substitutes, informed the temporary boss that he wanted to go back to the Hammers.

Wilkins said: "He was being considered for the bench but when somebody says they don't want to be here I feel it is only right they are not used.

"His timing was disappointing as well. It came as a bit of a shock but he felt he wanted to go back."

Wilkins' chances of being offered the manager's job on a permanent basis will be strengthened if Albion continue their unbeaten run under him against Orient.

Mayo said: "Dean and Dean have done a fantastic job so far, four points from two games. An average of two points per game is promotion material."