Brighton captain Lewis Dunk explains role after Danny Welbeck, James Milner and Solly March transfer exits
Brighton and Hove Albion reaction from the summer transfer window
Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk believes others will "step-up" after a host of experienced players left last month.
Dunk, 34, watched on as long-term team-mates and experienced professionals Danny Welbeck, James Milner, Joel Veltman, Adam Webster and Solly March all left in the summer window.
Dunk remains as do other elder statemen such as Pascal Gross, 35, and Jason Steele, 36.
Dunk: We help the youngsters
"Of course there's a little bit [of extra responsibility] said Dunk to Sussex World after the 1-1 draw with Leeds.
"But we've still got some experience. Even young players have stepped up and we need more to step up as we go along.
"The good thing is it's a team game and you need a squad and a team to do everything.
"Of course we're going to help the young lads settle in and find our way and what our style is.
"We give them time to help them but there's lots of people in this dressing room that can help.
"We need everyone to step up and people have been doing that so far so hopefully it continues."
Dunk: A good start
Brighton have so far had a solid start to the new campaign. They beat Aston Villa 4-0 on the opening day of the season, lost 4-3 at Chelsea and then drew 1-1 with a physical Leeds team at the Amex last Saturday.
The Seagulls also advanced past Norwegian club Tromso 4-0 on aggregate in a two-leg Uefa Conference League play-off to reach the league stages which start in October.
"I think it's been a good start," Dunk added. "We qualified for the Conference League. That was a big target of ours.
"We did that very well after a tough away day there. We started the first half of the season [against Aston Villa] excellent.
"Last week, a bit like today, dribs and drabs of what we're about.
"It's a long, long season. We're going to have a lot of games. I think we're in a good position.
"We'd like to take some injuries back and thicken the squad a bit more. We've got a deep squad now.
“Some big players are missing, but I think the boys are stepping up when they have to.
"Overall, it's been a good start and we've got to build from that."