BRIGHTON and Hove Albion have sacked long-serving commercial chief and former promotion hero Paul Rogers for gross misconduct.

The club made the shock announcement last night as they prepare for their first season in the Premier League.

A statement on the club website said: “Brighton and Hove Albion has terminated the employment contract of commercial and premium partnerships manager Paul Rogers for reasons of gross misconduct.

“The decision follows an internal investigation and disciplinary process and is effective immediately.

“In line with UK employment law and the club’s internal procedures, Paul Rogers has the right to appeal the decision.

“The club will not make any further comment on this matter.”

The Argus understands the dismissal of Rogers relates to a commercial deal.

His departure ends a near 20-year association with Albion both on and off the pitch.

He joined them as a player from Wigan Athletic in 1999 when the club returned to the city at Withdean athletics track after the Goldstone had been sold and they had ground shared with Gillingham in Kent for two years.

Rogers became a key figure in the club’s rise back up the divisions, captaining the team from midfield to the League Two and League One titles in consecutive seasons.

He retired from the professional game through injury when Albion were relegated from the Championship in 2003 and became sales manager for five years while also playing part-time for Worthing.

The 52-year-old has been commercial manager since 2008.

Before joining Albion, Portsmouth-born Rogers worked in the city in the gold and silver markets and was part of a famous FA Cup upset with non-League Sutton United against holders Coventry.

He also played professionally for Sheffield United and Notts County.

Rogers, who was popular around the club with players, fellow members of staff, supporters and commercial backers, spoke to The Argus about the impact of moving up to the Premier League just before promotion was confirmed in April.

He said: “We are in a really solid commercial position.

“But it will open up a lot more opportunities for global companies, national companies, to put us on the map and get more of their marketing spend.

“There are some global brands, airlines and tyre and timing partners, all things we couldn’t have dreamt of when we had the Portakabins at Withdean.”

Rogers was unavailable for comment last night.

His exit comes four years after Albion’s controversial Uruguayan manager Gus Poyet was also axed for gross misconduct.