ALBION manager Micky Adams has told People's Player Rod Thomas: "You are still in my plans."

The little winger has lost his place in the starting line-up since Adams changed his formation.

He has switched from a two to three-man midfield following the arrival of Warren Aspinall on loan from Colchester.

But Adams revealed: "I have spoken to Rod and told him he has got a big part to play in what we are doing this season.

"If we get the ball to him in the right areas of the pitch he will do well for us.

"I have not lost confidence in him and he understands the situation.

"We have looked a lot more solid with three in midfield."

Thomas, bought by the fans from Chester a year ago, has been used as a second half substitute in the last three games.

Albion have taken seven points out of nine without conceding a goal since Adams made the tactical adjustment, so the former Watford wonder kid is likely to be on the bench again for Saturday's home clash against struggling York.

Adams is appealing for patience from both his players and the Withdean fans.

York are struggling at the wrong end of the table and he said: "I am sure in their current state they will try to shut up shop.

"We have got to be patient and I am asking for patience from the fans.

"We would like the job done in the first 15 minutes but it might take 90, as we showed against Cheltenham."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.