Brighton and Hove Albion: El-Abd stays and Oatway leaves

Long-serving defender Adam El-Abd has signed a new two-year contract with Albion, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2014-15 season.

In the meantime first team coach Charlie Oatway has left the club by mutual consent, having been suspended since the end of the season.

El-Abd’s deal means that the 28-year-old central defender will rack up a decade of service with the Albion, earning him the right to a testimonial year.

He joined the rest of the squad this morning for his first day of pre-season training.

Adam El-Abd

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed the new deal. I love playing for the club and I can’t wait for the season to start now.

“I’ve been keeping myself fit in the gym and although it’s not the same as doing pre-season I feel really good and I’ll definitely be fit for the start of the season.

“The last ten years have been amazing and I feel really honoured to have been granted a testimonial year by the club.”

Head of football operations David Burke said: “It is fantastic news that Adam is staying with us and he will reach the milestone of ten years at the club which is a fantastic achievement.

“Adam has played a major part in getting the club to where it is today and we are delighted that he has chosen to commit to the club for longer.

“He is a product of the club’s successful youth system and is somebody all our younger players should aspire to.”

Brighton-born El-Abd played a crucial part in the League One title success in 2011 and has been one of the club’s most consistent defenders over the past decade.

He was called up to the Egypt international squad in May last year.

He has made more than 250 appearances for the club since he was handed his first team debut in 2003 by Mark McGhee.

The club issued a statement thanking Charlie Oatway for his hard work, commitment and dedication since he joined the club in 1999.

He joined the club as a player, eventually becoming club captain.

Charlie Oatway

During his playing career he helped the club secure championships in 2001 and 2002 and a play-off victory in 2004.

After the end of his playing career, he remained involved with the club working through its charitable arm Albion in the Community.

In November 2009 Oatway became first team coach, helping to guide the team to promotion as League One champions in 2011 and a highly creditable fourth placed finish last season, the club’s highest position for 30 years.

The club said: “We wish him all the very best for the future and are confident he will have a long and successful career ahead of him.”