Albion boss Micky Adams has hit out at the "clamour for designer managers" which has hampered his Premiership ambitions.

He is disappointed that his record of success in the Third Division did not warrant interviews for the summer vacancies at his old club Southampton and West Ham.

Adams was linked with the Saints post after steering the Seagulls to the Third Division title.

They eventually appointed coach Stuart Gray as Glenn Hoddle's full-time successor following a spell in caretaker charge.

"I said I was disappointed that I was never even asked to have an interview, but then again I was disappointed that I wasn't asked to have an interview for the West Ham job," Adams revealed.

"That is the height of my ambition. I think there is a clamour for designer managers. Years ago the way to be a top class manager was to learn the job in the lower divisions, then make the step forward. That pyramid system doesn't seem to be happening now and that disappoints me.

"As far as the lower leagues are concerned, particularly the Third Division, I don't think there is a lot else I can do to prove I am a decent manager who gets teams organised. But to actually make that step forward is perhaps going to be more difficult."

Adams, who also guided Fulham to promotion from the basement five seasons ago, now has a new three-year contract with Albion in place of a four-year deal which he was halfway through.

"There were certain things that needed addressing at the club which are hopefully being addressed," he said. "The vision of Falmer and everything else promised to me when I first joined looks like taking a step nearer, so I was happy to sign.

"I also wanted to put everybody's mind at rest, not least the fans and more importantly the players I brought here and those I was trying to get in."

New signings Simon Morgan, Geoff Pitcher, Dirk Lehmann and Robbie Pethick are expected to figure either in Albion's opening friendly at Worthing on Tuesday night or at Folkestone the following evening (7.30pm). The Seagulls then play simultaneous friendlies on Saturday July 21 at Aldershot and Hailsham (3pm).