A FORMER Albion manager has assured fans their club is still heading for the Premier League.

But he has called on the Seagulls and boss Gus Poyet to settle their differences as soon as possible – whoever is in charge next season.

Chris Cattlin, who lives in the city and follows his old club closely, is convinced they can ride out the current storm after Poyet, Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway were suspended.

He said: “It will be fine again. Don’t worry about it. This is not the end of the world.

“The club is on a level footing, it is being very well run and they will get into the Premier League, there is no question about that. It’s just a matter of time.

“But forget the Premier League, forget anything else, this matter with Mr Poyet needs sorting out quickly for everybody and not with lawyers if possible.

“They need sitting around the table and sorting things out. If Mr Poyet is going you don’t wish to end on a sour note.”

Cattlin believes Albion missed a great chance to win promotion to the top-flight this season.

But he says fans should not yet be worried about current events affecting team-building for 2013-14.

He added: “They have got enough savvy on the board and most of the players are sorted out.

“They need to sort the (Wayne) Bridge and (Matt) Upson situation.

“Of course the sooner they get sorted out, the better for everyone concerned, but it’s not paramount.”

Cattlin was dismissed by Albion in acrimonious circumstances in 1986.

He said: “I’ve been there and seen that situation – but not as it is panning out at the moment – and it seems to be there has been a lot of good work at that football club in a short period of time.

“There has been a lot of hard work by the board of directors, the players and the manager and to get to this situation is very disappointing.

“Hopefully somebody can mediate between Gus and the board if it has not gone too far.”