Former Albion midfielder David Lopez has backed his old club to keep pushing for the Premier League.

But he has urged them to make a long-term managerial appointment to help them to the top flight.

Tim Sherwood and Paul Clement continue to lead the betting for the manager’s job left vacant when Oscar Garcia resigned last Monday.

Sherwood, sacked last week by Tottenham, has confirmed he would consider a job outside the Premier League.

But he would want full and honest discussions with the chairman before taking any post.

The new man will be Albion’s third boss in little more than a year.

David, one of six players released last week, said: “You can’t keep changing managers each year.

“The two I’ve had at the club have both left and it’s really important your manager stays longer (than Oscar’s one year).

“I wish Brighton all the best. I have nothing bad to say about my time there.

“When I left I got so many tweets and messages from fans and hopefully they will get into the Premier League.”

Sherwood, who is also being linked with positions in the top flight, said he would consider “any jobs that are out there” when he appeared on Sky Sports yesterday.
He added: “I would like to have an honest conversation with the owners or chairman of which ever club might be of interest and see what the future holds.
“See what the expectations are of that club and then I would tell them what I think I could deliver.  I would tell them the truth of what I can bring to the party and not try and pretend I’m someone I’m not.”
Clement, who works alongside Zinedine Zidane as assistant to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, is thought to be a contender for the Albion job.
Madrid are working towards Saturday’s Champions’ League final against cross-city rivals and new Spanish champions Atletico.
Representatives of both third-favourite Malky Mackay and ex-Watford boss Gianfranco Zola, a man some Albion fans might like to see as a contender, both distanced their clients from the job at the Amex when contacted by The Argus.