Shane Duffy and Maty Ryan have both expressed their shock that Brighton sacked Chris Hughton on Monday.
The 60-year-old departed after four-and-a-half years at the club following a season which ended with them just two points outside the relegation places.
Hughton's time at the club saw them win promotion to the Premier League in the 2016/17 season, finishing 15th during their first campaign back in English football's top tier.
Retaining Premier League status was not enough for club chairman Tony Bloom who said that the sacking of was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make.
"Gutted to hear about the gaffer this morning," Duffy wrote on Twitter.
The Ireland international was signed by Hughton ahead of the season in which their gained promotion to the Premier League.
I wanna thank him for everything he has done for me on and mostly off the pitch. Thank you for giving me the chance to sign for this amazing club. Will always be grateful thank you.
Goalkeeper Maty Ryan was another Hughton signing.
"Shocked to hear of the news of the gaffer this morning," said the Australian.
"Brought the club success it could only dream of and will always be someone I have the highest respect for through how he conducts himself as a manager and a man. Wish him all the best for his next chapter."
