Albion were today told bookies’ favourite Tim Sherwood is the man to get them promoted – if they can get him.

The current Tottenham manager was as short as 6-1 ON to become Albion’s next boss last night as they began the search for a replacement for Oscar Garcia.

Oscar’s resignation was accepted by the Seagulls after talks yesterday, leaving chairman Tony Bloom hunting for his third manager or head coach in little more than a year.

Former Albion midfielder Warren Aspinall, who now follows them as a pundit for BBC Radio Sussex, has backed Bloom to make a wise appointment.

And he reckons Sherwood, who is expected to leave Spurs this summer, would be the best choice.

Apsinall said: “If Tottenham get rid of Tim Sherwood I would love him at the Amex.

“He’s a football man, he will put kids in, he has got a Plan B and he is a winner. I like the way we have played under Gus Poyet and Oscar but we have never had a Plan B.

“I played with Tim for England youth and I speak to him quite a bit.

“What he has done in the circumstances at Tottenham is unbelievable and he would be first choice for me.

“I’ve seen him go 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 4-3-3. “Oscar has done brilliantly after taking over from Gus, who was such a success.

“But to get out of the Championship you need somebody who really knows English football.

“Tim would be ideal if we could get him – but he won’t come cheap.

“Brighton would be a great next stop for him if he leaves Spurs. He’s the man to get us promoted.”

Oscar stepped down after his first season in England ended in play-off defeat at Derby.

He is not believed to have a new job lined up although he was being linked in Spain last night with the impending vacancy at Celta.

In a statement released by the club, Oscar said Albion should not have been totally surprised by his resignation.

He said: “The club has been aware of my thoughts for several weeks and during this time I have had discussions with both the chairman, Tony Bloom, and chief executive, Paul Barber.

“I have enjoyed my time with the club but, although I do not have any immediate plans, I have decided to move on.”

Bloom said: “We are extremely grateful to Oscar for his efforts this past year, and for providing us with another exciting and memorable season at the club.”