ALBION hope to have an “experienced” interim manager in place by Thursday.

But it will not be former boss Mark McGhee.

The Seagulls need a caretaker to oversee pre-season training while they deal with the sacked Gus Poyet’s appeal against his dismissal for alleged breaches of contract.

Chairman Tony Bloom said last night: “We would like to have one in place by Thursday. That is when the players start working on the technical parts of their pre-season.

“But I can’t give an actual time frame on it because I’ve got to make sure the decision is right.”

McGhee, now Scotland’s No. 2, still lives locally and was quick to offer his services but Albion have ruled him out of the running.

McGhee, manager from 2003-2006, told The Argus: “I still have contact with people at the club. I am here and available and if they wanted me for a couple of weeks without prejudice then absolutely, I would be willing to help them.”

Bloom expects Poyet’s appeal to last around three weeks. He said: “Once the appeal has been heard, if that is unsuccesful, then at that moment the club can appoint a permanent manager.”

Chief executive Paul Barber, in an open letter to fans, said Albion want to appoint an “experienced” interim, which appears to rule out Oscar Garcia and Tim Sherwood, the frontrunners for the job on a permanent basis.