Bob Booker has pledged his future to Albion after withdrawing from the managerial race.

The Seagulls' loyal assistant is preparing to work under his fifth different boss in three years.

Booker, whose five-match reign as caretaker ends against Stockport at Withdean today, said: "It will possibly be a little bit more difficult for me, going back to being No. 2, but it's something I will adjust to again.

"I haven't got a problem with it. I am sure the club are quite happy for me to stay and I'm happy to stay.

"I think I have been loyal to the club. I could have gone to Leicester at one time, but I'm not looking for pats on the back for that.

"I wanted to stay because I love working with the players and staff that are here.

"I've moved house, I'm living in Brighton now, so it's all tickety boo. There is no reason why I would want it to change."

Chairman Dick Knight has stated the successor to Steve Coppell will be in place by next Wednesday.

The Argus revealed on Friday that Mark McGhee, Leroy Rosenior, Iain Dowie and Stuart Gray were on Knight's shortlist.

Booker is relieved the managerial uncertainty is drawing to a conclusion.

"I think for my sake and the new manager's sake if it is not going to be me a decision needs to be made so we can get back on track," he said.

"I have tried to detach myself from it. My main job at the moment is preparing the team for each game.

"We have done things more or less exactly the same way since Steve went, but the results haven't gone my way."

Knight is adamant Booker has a big part to play in Albion's future.

He said: "I have made it a condition with every potential candidate that, if they were to get the Albion job, they would be working with Bob as their No. 2."

Booker believes the forward line is the one area of the squad where the Seagulls need more strength in depth to maintain their promotion challenge.

Leon Knight and Chris McPhee have been up front since loan signing Darius Henderson returned to Reading, with rookies Dan Beck and Jake Robinson as the only back-up.

"There is good cover in other positions, but you have always got to be on the lookout for goalscorers," Booker said. "They are few and far between."

Albion's eighth manager in six years will face a hectic start.

The Seagulls visit Peterborough next Saturday. They host Boston in the LDV Vans Trophy three days later, then play in the first round of the FA Cup on November 8.