Three key members of Albion's promotion-chasing squad today committed themselves to the club until 2003.

Defender Danny Cullip and midfield pair Charlie Oatway and Paul Watson have all signed new contracts with the club extending their term until June 2003.

Watson's deal was due to expire at the end of this season while Cullip and Oatway would have been out of contract in June 2002.

Chairman Dick Knight said: "On behalf of Micky Adams, I was delighted to offer Charlie, Danny and Paul improved contracts in recognition of their key roles in the club's playing success this year and their future importance to the team.

"We are building a squad capable of playing at a higher level than Division Three and it was essential that we secured these players for the long-term.

"Along with our recent signings it demonstrates the club's commitment to the future, and also sends out a 'hands off' warning to any predatory club who might be taking an interest in our quality players."

Meanwhile Albion's Warren Aspinall is recuperating from a horror infection which left him crying in pain in front of his children and almost finished his career.

Aspinall was rushed into Southampton General Hospital for an operation after his right ankle "blew up like a balloon."

The experienced midfielder has been on a drip twice a day during his recovery from the bug, which eats through cartilage and ligaments.

Aspinall's problems began when he damaged ankle ligaments in a reserve team friendly against Southampton on August 21.

The 33-year-old had career-saving keyhole surgery at the end of September and was in the early stages of rehabilitation when the ankle became swollen.

"It blew up like a balloon and I had no movement at all," said Aspinall. "I was at home in agony.

"I was in tears in front of my kids, because I was in so much pain."

The father-of-two had further surgery 12 days ago to cure the infection. He has been in hospital ever since.

"The infection eats your cartilage and ligaments away," explained the former Everton Aston Villa and Portsmouth player.

"They stopped it just in time, otherwise it would definitely be the end of my career.

"I have been on a drip twice a day and I must be taking 20 tablets a day. I'm in a bad way really, but the club have been brilliant. They keep ringing up to check how I am."

Aspinall, who has also been suffering from another less serious bug, added: "It's been frightening. I am only on a short-term contract and I wanted to get back as quickly as possible.

"Hopefully once this has cleared up I will be okay, but I will have to take it easy."

Albion's youth team drew 1-1 with Wycombe in the first round of the FA Youth Cup last night.