Wilkins said he was extremely disappointed by the club's decision to effectively demote him, but in a dignified statement recognised that this happens in football. He will be looking to continue in coaching or management elsewhere. He has ties with Brighton going back 20 years and thanked all who supported him. Understandably there are no kind words for the Board that sacked him! He hoped the club continues the upward rise (that he laid the foundations for!). We wish him well.

So what has Adams been doing? His second signing (Colin Hawkins was the first) is Kevin McLeod, a 27-year-old Liverpudlian left-sided midfielder. He started at Everton and has been with Queens Park Rangers and Swansea. Apparently he left the Welsh side under a bit of a cloud to join Colchester in 2006. But Adams may have found the elusive midfielder needed as reports indicate that McLeod can both provide crosses and score goals.

The Adam El-Abd saga ended when the popular 23-year old at last signed a two-year deal. There were fears he would do a Dean "the grass is greener" Hammond and move elsewhere. Happily he hasn't and will work with Adams for the first time. Doug Loft, the 21-year old from Hastings, has been retained on a one-year deal. Also, reserve keeper, 20-year-old John Sullivan, has a one-year contract. He says he hopes to challenge our big Dutchman, Michel Kuipers, for the gloves this coming season.

And speaking of our Former Dutch Marine, he was my link to Euro 2008 and my suggestion that we all support Holland. Wasn't that a top choice! Well so far at least. Suddenly, from the "Group of Death", the French and the Italians are saying nice things about the integrity of the Dutch. They wouldn't have a bad day against Romania (meaning the exit for France and Italy!) would they? Personally I'd be tempted! I should mention that my Seagulls trivia book reveals that Kuipers shares my birthday later this month (I think he may be slightly younger than me!).

Meanwhile our one positive Albion link to the Euro 2008 finals continues in the shape of Colin Kazim-Richards. The ex-Seagull came on for Turkey when they where 2-0 down against Czech Republic to be part of the team that went on to win 3-2. Therefore Turkey go on to the quarter-finals to play Croatia.

Croatia, who are unbeaten so far, is of course the team that denied England their rightful place in Euro 2008! Not that I'm biased or bitter of course. But if it hadn't been for a wet pitch, skidding ball and our keeper's fumble, we would have been there too, winning. So whilst still supporting the Oranges I say good luck to Colin and Turkey.

Our 2008/2009 fixtures have been announced! I hope to include some of the highlights next week! Kicking off the new season on Saturday, August 9 we were hoping for a Withdean start. We got Crewe – away! No disrespect to Crewe Alexandra but having to go up to Gresty Road isn't the most exciting of starts! And it is deja-vu Crewe as we started there last season – and lost 2-1. Here's hoping for a better start under Micky Adams! Our first League One Withdean game is Bristol Rovers on Saturday, August 16, although we host Barnet in the first round of the Carling Cup on Tuesday, August 12.

I'll just mention a few other dates for the diary. On January 27 there is the visit to the Walkers Stadium and relegated Leicester. The mighty Leeds United come to Withdean 10 days earlier. The Boxing Day fixture is against Colchester. Not exactly like a Crystal Palace derby – but at least we are at Withdean.

Finally, here is one I'll be trying to get to. On Saturday, February 7, the Seagulls return to Edgar Street and Hereford United. It's the first time since the dramatic and emotional relegation battle that was the last game of the season in 1997. I was there when we kept our league status with the 1-1 draw, dumping Hereford out of the league. It's great that United have battled back and there will be huge numbers of blue and white supporters returning to celebrate.