The Albion must rue their wretched luck sometimes.

Having previously had some shocking crowds this season, the pre-Christmas Friday evening game against their former landlords Gillingham was scheduled to be a near sell-out, with attractive prices designed to cater for families keen to watch live football.

With the good old British weather looking decidly iffy, a lunchtime pitch inspection was arranged, and the match referee passed the ground fit. But after the temperature dropped, the game was called off at 6pm, by which time the stewards and other matchday staff were already in position.

It all cost money that could be better spent elsewhere.

But worse still was to follow.

A 3-0 Boxing Day reverse at Millwall would be bad enough.But hot on the heels of the final whistle came Albion boss Dean Wilkins' revelation that it was probably popular striker Bas Savage's last game for the Seagulls, following the breakdown of contract negoations.

And then midfielder George O' Callaghan used a BBC SCR post-match interview to launch an attack on Albion chairman Dick Knight and the way he is running the club — specifically these contract negotiations.
Prior to the Gillingham game, the Albion were going well: still in two cups, and just beginning a play-off challenge.

As I understand it, Wilkins wanted to keep on-loan signings O'Callaghan and Ipswich team-mate Matt Richards, as well as renewing Savage's contract, and agreeing an extended deal for another on-loan player — French midfielder, David Martot.

These represent more than 30per cent of a very promising Albion side.

Now three of the four have gone, although Martot might return. But show me any team in the country that can lose an influential 30 per cent of its side overnight and still maintain its momentum.

A very sorry state of affairs — none more so than for Wilkins who is the totally innocent party.

He has done a tremendous job this season with almost one hand tied behind his back.

But lately, both hands appear to be bound as well as his legs!

As for Knight, while I have been critical of him in the past, I reiterate that, despite what he might think, it is not part of a personal vendetta or hidden agenda.

He is an Albion legend who will always be remembered for what he has done for the club, but it's an ongoing situation and I fear what is happening now and in the near future could tarnish his memory in the eyes of many Albion supporters.

When O'Callaghan spoke out on Boxing Day, the toys well and truly came out of Knight's pram, closely followed by an attack on members of the local media, and Bas Savage and his agent.

All very unsavoury and something that could have been averted.

In Paul Camillin, Knight has an excellent Press and PR man at the club.

All he needed to do was put out a statement via Paul stating how disappointed he was with O'Callaghan's outburst and leave it at that.

The media spat, as entertaining as it is, has, in my opinion, done untold damage at a vital time.

Whether that damage is long-lasting remains to be seen, but my Albion wish for 2008 is that Wilkins is allowed to manage and be given a realistic playing budget which will enable the Albion to build on a great season so far.

The last-gasp New Year's Day win against Bournemouth puts the Albion right back in the mix: whether they remain there is down to what Wilkins is allowed to do during the transfer window.

Not rocket science, just an obvious case of footballing speculating to accumulate.

Happy New Year one and all, including Mr Knight . . .