Albion boss Sami Hyypia says former Liverpool colleague Sammy Lee has let him down by snubbing the Seagulls for Southampton.

Lee agreed in writing to become Hyypia’s assistant but within 48 hours decided to join Southampton’s coaching team instead.

Hyypia, asked if he felt let down, said: “Yes, I thought I knew him. It was a big surprise for me that it went like it did and I’m very disappointed it went this way but we will adapt to the situation.”

Hyypia has hinted he may not appoint a No. 2 at all now after his first choice for the post, Bayer Leverkusen colleague Jan Moritze Lichte, turned down the chance for family reasons.

He could rely instead on Nathan Jones, whose role has changed from assistant head coach under Hyypia’s predecessor Oscar Garcia to first team coach.

Hyypia said: “I will have a look again at what type of guy we need in this position or do we need anybody. I don’t know Nathan Jones well enough yet but I think in these first weeks I’ll get to know him better and better and we’ll have to see if we need any more help.”

Hyypia has also revealed he hopes to sign a goalkeeper and centre-half by the end of the week.

“The sooner the better,” he said. “The goalkeeper and centre-back we are a bit thin at the moment. We definitely need strengthening there. They are very important positions for the team, so it will be important to get them in this week.”