Joel Veltman says not having Enock Mwepu on the pitch or around the squad will take some getting used to.
Enock announced his retirement on Monday at the age of 24 after he was diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition.
“He’s a lovely guy and an amazing professional, he will be a big loss for us,” said Joel.
“To not have him around the club and on the pitch is devastating. We had a meeting with [technical director] David Weir, who said that Enock had taken the news well.
"He’s just had a baby daughter which is a distraction for him and his family of course, and I know how important his faith is to him but it’s not something you want at the age of 24.
The Computer. 🖥️ An amazing person, an amazing player and some amazing memories. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lAB1wwbFr8
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) October 10, 2022
“We had seen on social media that he’d been in hospital and he hadn't been at the training ground, but it was a shock when we were told his career was over. Everyone was really upset.”
The players have sent messages of support to Enock and there will be tributes to him by the squad and among Albion fans at tomorrow’s Premier League game against Brentford.
“We will be supporting him 100%,” added Joel. “We’ve all been messaging him and I’m sure we will see him at the training ground again soon which will be fantastic of course, but we don’t want to put any pressure on him.
“We need to let him take his time and adjust but when he needs us we will be there for him.”