Brighton & Hove Albion's season has met and gone beyond most people's expectations this year.

The supporters would have wanted an improvement on last campaign's play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, but it's fair to say that is what they are seeing.

The Seagulls' last outing was a comfortable 4-1 victory over relegation candidates Burton Albion and this sort of dominance has been evidenced in most of their games this season.

Those three points have enabled Chris Hughton and his team to keep pace with Championship leaders Newcastle United, ahead of what looks to be a thrilling end to the season from a neutral's perspective.

There is now a comfortable gap between automatic promotion and the play-offs, with there being six points separating Brighton and third-placed Huddersfield Town.

However, now it is time for the club to look long-term and beyond the next couple of matches.

With the summer fast approaching, it's time Hughton begins to consider which players will be staying and who could be out the door at the Amex.

Here are two out-of-contract players Brighton & Hove Albion need to tie down to new deals...

Dale Stephens

Having initially joined Brighton from Charlton Athletic in January 2014 on a three-and-a-half year contract, Dale Stephens' current deal on the south coast is set to expire this summer but it's vital for Brighton to extend his stay beyond this season.

The 27-year-old midfielder began the campaign by refusing to play for the Seagulls following reports he had handed in a transfer request and Brighton rejected several approaches from Premier League outfit Burnley for his services, although that didn't last long and was reinstated into the first-team shortly after.

Stephens has made 23 appearances for Chris Hughton this season and has been an important part of their success this year which sees them sit comfortably in the top two of the Sky Bet Championship.

If they did let him go then Brighton & Hove Albion would massively regret that mistake, in my opinion, regardless of which division they're playing their football in next season.

David Stockdale

David Stockdale has been labelled as one of the best goalkeepers in the second-tier this season and it's clear to see why, having kept 14 clean sheets in 29 matches for the Seagulls this term.

The 31-year-old's impressive form has seen him being linked with several top flight clubs and even supporters suggesting he deserves an England call-up.

Stockdale moved to the Amex Stadium on a three-year deal in 2014, meaning his contract is currently up for renewal this summer.

Brighton would be looking like fools if they didn't offer him a new deal, although it would be up to the player whether he accepted it.