Albion's out of contract and loan players are sweating over the future of manager Gus Poyet.

He has told the squad that he cannot guarantee he will still be in charge next season.

Ten of the 18 players on duty for Monday’s exit from the Championship play-offs at the hands of arch rivals Crystal Palace at The Amex have been borrowed from other clubs or are reaching the end of their deals.

Out-of-contract captain Gordon Greer and David Lopez started the second leg, together with on-loan trio Wayne Bridge, Matt Upson and Dean Hammond.

Five of the substitutes for the 2-0 defeat – Peter Brezovan, Adam El-Abd, Ashley Barnes, Gary Dicker and Marcos Painter – are out of contract, although Barnes is believed to have made enough appearances to trigger an option clause.

Others not involved against Palace, including Vicente and injured striker Will Hoskins, also have deals which run out next month.

Poyet gathered the players together at The Amex on Tuesday and informed them he could offer no guarantees about staying.

Players without contracts had previously been told they would have to wait until Albion knew what division they were in to discover their fates.

The uncertainty now surrounding the manager's position could mean they have to wait even longer and could have an impact on the futures of Bridge, Upson and Hammond.

Poyet is expected to hold talks with chairman Tony Bloom in the next few days about the playing budget and his reservations.

The Uruguayan wants reassurances after voicing fears he has taken the Seagulls as far as they can.

The club are determined to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations which come into force in the Championship next season, with punishments such as a transfer embargo and fines for those disobeying the rules.