Albion have moved to assure worried fans they can come back stronger from their nightmare end of season on and off the field.

Chief executive Paul Barber tonight told supporters the Seagulls would remain professional and dignified after play-off defeat, managerial upheaval and much-publicised “vandalism” in the away team’s changing room.

The Seagulls have confirmed they have formally apologised to arch rivals Crystal Palace and tightened security after excrement was left in the visitors’ changing room before last Monday’s play-off semi-final second leg at The Amex.

But, in an email sent to season ticket holders today, Barber declined to make any comment on the ongoing suspension of the boss Gus Poyet, assistant Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway.

It is the first communication from club officials since confirming on Thursday evening that the trio had been suspended.

Barber told fans: “The events of the past week should not in any way detract from what has been our best season for more than 30 years - with some superb performances, memorable results and fantastic record crowds at the Amex. It's also been another season of great progress for our club, on and off the field, and another year in which interest in our club has grown substantially.

“With that growth comes a significantly higher profile and increased media coverage - both positive and negative. And, with this in mind, it's clearly been a challenging week for our club: defeat at home to our biggest rivals in a play-off semi-final; the suspension from work and pending investigation of three members of our staff; and the revelation of an unsavoury incident that took place in our visitors' dressing room last Monday.

“These events have led to some unwelcome headlines that we all would have preferred not to have been reading during the last week.

“Understandably, many supporters have asked me, both in person and in writing, about recent events – and, in particular, how and why they have happened. At this point, I'm unable to give you answers to all the questions you may have.

“What I can say to you is that every football club faces a variety of challenges at different points in its history.

“We are no exception and I can assure you that we will address each of these challenges as you would expect and want us to, namely, professionally and with as much as dignity as possible.

“We apologised to Crystal Palace as soon as the vandalism in their dressing room was discovered, and again more formally a few days after the match. As a result of what happened, please rest assured we have reviewed our internal procedures to guard against this ever happening again.

“On other matters, you will appreciate that I'm unable to comment further at this time.

“Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your great support for the club throughout this season - and particularly in the past seven days.

“The special bond that exists between this club and its supporters, old and new, will help us emerge from this testing period stronger and even better prepared for the new season.”