Albion boss Micky Adams refused to be too hard on his title winners as the champagne fell flat in their closing fixture.

The champions crashed to a 3-0 defeat against strugglers Shrewsbury at Gay Meadow on Saturday, their heaviest of a triumphant campaign.

"If we had needed a point I think it would have been a different game," said Adams.

"It leaves a bit of a sour taste in my memory bank, but I am not going to be too critical. They deserve the championship."

The 2,500 Seagulls supporters in Shrewsbury's biggest crowd of the season were still in party mood long after the final whistle.

They gathered on the pitch in front of the main stand and swarmed into the directors' box when Adams and his players re-appeared.

"The fans at the end gave us the reception I think we deserved," Adams said. "They realise it's not about one game but 46. It was just a little bit sad that the occasion went slightly flat for the players.":

Nigel Jemson (2), one a penalty, and Luke Rodgers wrecked Albion's hopes of finishing with a record low for goals conceded, but they still ended ten points clear of Alan Cork's Cardiff.

Martin Thomas missed one last chance to press for a contract because of a back injury.

The season is still not over for Adams and his players. Albion take on Charlton at Withdean tomorrow night in a benefit match for physio Malcolm Stuart and retired kit man Jock Riddell. They finish on May 26 with a prestige friendly marking Southampton's final match at the Dell following a five-day break in Spain.

"I am just about ready for a holiday," Adams added. "It has been an emotional roller-coaster ride professionally and personally, so I think I deserve a break."

Albion goalkeeper Mark Cartwright could be playing for Shrewsbury next season.

He played two matches for their reserves last week and rejoins Kevin Ratcliffe's side for training tomorrow.

Long-serving No.1 Paul Edwards is among eight players released by Shrewsbury.

Cartwright said: "I will just have to wait and see. Kevin was impressed with what he saw in the two games, so hopefully something might come of it."

Cartwright lost his place to Michel Kuipers and was transfer-listed after Albion's 3-1 defeat at Cheltenham in February.