Micky Adams has not shut the door on veteran duo Keith McPherson and Warren Aspinall.

They could be back with the Seagulls in the summer if they do not get fixed up with other clubs. Central defender McPherson and midfielder Aspinall are among nine players Adams is letting go.

But he revealed: "The door is not closed on them. They have been good lads, model pros.

" I think they have done well for us this season, but their appearances have been restricted because of other people's good form.

"I have said to them they can have a free transfer, which they are entitled to anyway under the Bosman ruling, to see if they can secure long term deals for themselves with other clubs.

Adams originally intended to publish his retained list next week, following tomorrow's final game against Carlisle. He brought forward the announcement after watching a strong and experienced Reserve side struggle to beat Hastings on penalties in the Sussex Senior Cup final on Monday.

Adams has been unimpressed by the contributions throughout the season of Rod Thomas and Jamie Campbell, both of whom have been transfer-listed with a year still left on their contracts. Albion will demand a fee for Thomas, but not for Campbell.

"I have sat them down and made them aware I have not been happy with what they have achieved this season," Adams said. "I have made them available and if they can get themselves a club by the start of next season that is okay. If not then I am happy for them to be part of the squad."

It is not only on the pitch that the pair are understood to have disappointed Adams. A source has told the Argus he is also upset they have not moved into the area after requesting relocation expenses.

Adams says that Martin Ling, also released after joining the Seagulls on a short-term contract on transfer deadline day, has "a few offers in the pipeline." For the others; midfielder Paul Armstrong, winger John Westcott, No. 2 goalkeeper Mark Ormerod and defender Ryan Palmer it is the end of the line.

Eire under 21 international Armstrong has his admirers, including Albion chairman Dick Knight and Crawley boss Billy Smith, but Adams believes every player on the staff has been given a fair crack of the whip.

"There are millions of people out there desperate just for the chance to train with a pro club," he said. "These lads have had a chance every day of their lives this year. It's a hard job to tell people they haven't got a future with us, but it has to be done."

Six other players have been offered fresh terms of varying length. Kerry Mayo has been offered two years and Adams says he is still talking to first choice goalkeeper Mark Walton. Teenage striker Scott Ramsay has already agreed a new two-year deal and third keeper Will Packham a year.

Two more youngsters, midfielder Danny Davis and defender Ben Andrews, have agreed contracts of six months and three months respectively. Adams added: "I think we are looking to bring five or six players in." They will include at least one striker and another goalkeeper.