Skipper Chris Adams admits he is resigned to losing at least one of his two most experienced batsmen when he meets the Sussex committee to discuss contracts tonight.

Seven players are out of contract including Murray Goodwin and Tony Cottey and it seems certain that one, or even both, could leave Hove at the end of the season.

After several days of deliberation, Adams and director of cricket Peter Moores will present his recommendations to the club's nine-man committee before speaking to the players tomorrow.

With Sussex looking to cut their playing budget by £100,000 it does not appear that they can keep both of their biggest earners.

Adams said: "I would dearly love to keep them both but I'm pretty much resigned to losing one of them because I think that it will come down to budget. I understand that, it's part and parcel of the modern game.

"Another factor is that we need to look to the future. There are some young players who are starting to emerge and I think it's important to try to encourage them as well."

Goodwin is averaging just 33.41 this season but has an average of 46.42 in four years with the county. I understand the 32-year-old has already been offered a new deal, but on substantially less money than his current contract.

If he decides to look elsewhere to get the long-term security he wants, at least two other counties - one of whom is Derbyshire - will fight for his signature. But there could still be room for compromise.

Cottey's return to the team in July - when he scored 185 against Kent - coincided with Sussex's improved Championship form in the second half of the season although he has failed to pass 50 since then.

He will be 39 next season but says he feels fit and is keen to play for one more year after declaring at the start of the season that this would be his last.

A key member of the dressing room, his team-mates will hope he gets his wish but it is by no means certain. The committee will have to weigh up whether they can get an alternative from elsewhere who is both younger and less expensive.

The other players hoping for new contracts are Mark Davis, Michael Yardy, Carl Hopkinson, Jason Lewry and Jason Voros. Kevin Innes, having already been given permission to speak to other counties, looks certain to leave.

All five are likely to be retained including Voros, even though he has not been able to press for a first team place this year because the Hungarian passport he requires to be registered as an EU-qualified player still has not come through.

Although Tim Ambrose will be expected to challenge for a place in the top five next season, there are precious few alternatives outside of the 18-strong staff.

That could help extend the Sussex careers of the likes of Yardy and Hopkinson. Their one-day form has improved considerably this season, but Yardy has played just three Championship matches in the last two seasons and Hopkinson none.

Off-spinner Davis took his first Championship wickets since July 26 against Gloucestershire at the weekend, but with few alternatives as back-up to Mushtaq Ahmed he too can expect another contract.

Adams will also be trying to convince the committee to increase the size of the squad from 18 to 19 as well.

"In terms of numbers it's a shoestring staff and ideally I'd like more cover in the seam bowling and all-rounder's department," he added.

"Many of our professionals are paid reasonably well but the downside of that is we don't have the luxury of a big staff and we might have to look at that."

Meanwhile, Sussex are now safe from relegation after their match against Gloucestershire at Bristol was abandoned as a draw.

Just 33 overs were possible on the final day during which Gloucestershire added 99 to their overnight 205-4 for the loss of just one wicket before a torrential downpour at 2.20pm brought an end to the action.

Sussex picked up seven points to move to 167 and although Lancashire can equal that mark they have won two fewer games which is the method of determining league positions if teams are level on points.

Worcestershire are down with Northamptonshire after their game with Lancashire at New Road ended in a draw. Lancashire will also be relegated unless they beat Gloucestershire at Old Trafford and also take three bonus points.

Alex Gidman holed out to long on just before the terminal downpour after making 82 in a stand of 162 with Tim Hancock.

Mushtaq Ahmed bowled for 13 overs unchanged into a howling gale before sheltering in the deep to try and get some feeling back into his fingers and it was a relief when a heavy storm swept over the ground.