Manager Chris Hughton’s plans for the season of 2018/19 are now well in motion with news of Brighton’s retained and released list for this summer.
With confirmation now in, some of the decisions aren’t exactly a surprise as full-back Liam Rosenior and midfielder Steve Sidwell had already announced their intentions to move on this summer. Rohan Ince will join them having spent last season out on loan, and defender Uwe Huenemeier has already agreed a free agent move back to Germany and former club SC Paderborn.
👏 @rosenior_liam23 reflected on his finest memories during his time with the Seagulls…
💬 “Seeing other players, such as Bruno, playing well in the @premierleague, that was pretty much the highlight for me.”#BHAFC 🔵⚪️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/lkekUGPWkp pic.twitter.com/CM7vKgvpwP
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 7, 2018
Speaking to the Official Site to formally announce the departures, Hughton wished them all well for the future and thanked them for their contributions during their time with us.
“I would like to thank all four of those players leaving us this summer for their time here at Brighton & Hove Albion. Each of them have been a pleasure to work alongside and have given their all during my time here as manager. Uwe, Liam and Steve played a massive part in our promotion to the Premier League just over a year ago and all three have rightly written themselves into the club’s history. Rohan has spent the last two seasons on loan with Fulham, Swindon and Bury, which has been good for his development, and I am sure that there will be a number of clubs who will be aware of Rohan. I would like to thank him for his professionalism and wish him well for the future.”
Hughton also confirmed that goalkeeper Niki Maenpaa would be offered a new deal and discussions are ongoing with fellow stopper Tim Krul over extending his deal with us as he’s out of contract this summer as well.
Chris Hughton thanked the 4⃣ players departing the Seagulls – @rosenior_liam23, @sjsidwell, @UweHuenemeier2 and Rohan Ince.
Niki Maenpaa will be offered a new contract at the club, while a deal is being negotiated with @TimKrul.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/rT8mIj0yHk pic.twitter.com/ZJEenFFZ3q
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 8, 2018
On loan Leicester City striker Leonardo Ulloa also received Hughton’s thanks as he now returns to his parent club.
They aren’t the only expected departures this summer with the rumour mill in full flow.
With each of those departing having played their own part in recent years, fans were quick to thank them and offer their own well wishes for the future.
Missing you already Uwe!! Good luck back at your old club! ???
— Ben White (@benwhiteuk) June 6, 2018
I think you and Connor would have been colossal together at Rangers. Wish you both stayed at #BHAFC thank you both for all that you did!
— Chris Keating (@ckeating6) June 7, 2018
We miss you Liam, hopefully you'll be back one day, hope you've got some exciting opportunities coming your way 🙂
— Jacomina B?? (@Jacomina1969) June 7, 2018
Top man, @rosenior_liam23 . So unlucky with injuries. Hope to see you back some day UTA
— Act of Love (@ActofLoveMusic) June 7, 2018
Shame about Liam and ince tonight both players never let us down and didn’t get much of a chance. Good luck to both
— mortz (@noseyfuck) June 8, 2018
Gotta love Niki.
— Jamie | Always believe in your soul (@JamieMDYT) June 8, 2018
I'm holding back the emotions here!
— John Murphy (@Johnelvismurphy) June 8, 2018