Richard Carpenter has added his name to the list of Albion's dual title winners pledging their long term futures to the club.

The Seagulls' midfield kingpin signed a new three-year contract yesterday.

It replaces his existing deal, which still had a year to run, and keeps him at the club until at least the end of the 2004-2005 season.

Carpenter joins three other members of the squad that followed up their Division Three triumph by lifting the Second Division championship in April.

Nathan Jones, Gary Hart and Paul Watson have already signed new contracts lined up by former boss Peter Taylor prior to his resignation.

Assistant manager Bob Booker said: "Richard is on a par with the rest of them. He has been a consistent member of the team.

"I think he has improved as a footballer and he is going to play a big part this year.

"We are really pleased he is the next in line that has decided to extend his time with the club. The idea of getting these players on board now is to keep the squad together.

"Chippy got stronger as last season went on. He is a great character with a good engine, he can pass the ball and he puts himself about."

Carpenter joined Albion from Cardiff on a Bosman free transfer two years ago.

The 29-year-old missed only four League games when the Seagulls won Division Three and just one last season, through illness.

He was a tower of strength during the run-in and has chipped in with important goals, several of them via fiercely struck free-kicks.

Carpenter also won promotion from the Third Division with Gillingham Fulham and Cardiff but, in common with the majority of the current squad, the Kent-born powerhouse has never played in the First.

Added Booker: "We feel they deserve a chance to play in the First Division and they shouldn't be negative about that.

"They will surprise a few and I'm sure once we get a few additions to the squad it will hold us in good stead and we will have another good season."

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