Long-serving Daniel Hildreth admits he is "gutted" he has no future at new look Brighton Bears.

Last season's co-captain has been left surplus to requirements by coach Nick Nurse's recruitment.

Hildreth, 24, was enjoying a run out with Conference side Worthing Thunder against Thames Valley last night and is in talks with Angmering School with a view to working as their basketball co-ordinator.

He is desperate to stay in the BBL and and has opened informal discussions with Chester and Leicester.

Hildreth claimed Bears had strung him along and added: "This has turned my world upside down. I am gutted. I have been involved with Bears since I was 12 and I believe I bring a lot to the club."

Hildreth said he was offered a contract by Manchester Giants but asked them to wait until he had heard whether he had any future at Brighton.

He was also unkeen to move away from his girlfriend Helen, who co-ordinates the Bears dance troupe and was working in the area. She has since lost her job.

Hildreth was back-up point guard to Mike Brown last season.

Nurse recently signed Randy Duck and hopes to add an English point guard, while Brown remains on board giving Bears ample cover in the key playmaking role.

Hildreth added: "I am sure the club will win a lot more games this year and I certainly do not want to burn any bridges with them. If I had the chance I would go back."

Nurse has re-signed Errol Seaman and told Bears fans to expect better things from the powerfully built Londoner.

Seaman was part of the coach's Championship winning side at Manchester two seasons ago but rarely produced his best form for Bears last term.

Nurse said: "Errol was an integral part of my team at Manchester and he fits in with the way I want to coach so it was a simple decision to ask him back."

The Bears coach took a chance to run the rule over Thames Valley, who come to the Triangle on September 30, in last night's friendly.

Tigers won 98-71 helped by 24 points by star summer signing Barry Bowman from Derby, but Thunder's Sean Hampton marked his return to Sussex with 38 points.

Thunder were missing four key players but coach Gary Smith praised their efforts and admitted he would love to have Hildreth on board.

Smith said: "Danny did well consdering he has not played in this side before. He needs games and I would love to have him on this team."

James Brame, whose future with Bears is also in doubt, joined Hildreth in the line-up.

Thunder visit Bognor for another friendly tomorrow (7.30).