Albion skipper Nicky Forster has described the departure of manager Dean Wilkins as "surprising" and "bemusing".

Forster and several of his team-mates found out about Micky Adams' shock re-appointment via a series of text messages as they sat on a plane on a Gatwick runway.

They had just returned late on Thursday night from a two-day break in Spain as news broke that Adams was taking over and Wilkins has been offered the post of first team coach.

Forster said: "We didn't land until midnight. There were ten of us on the plane and all of our phones started bleeping, so we wondered what was going on.

"When we checked our messages we thought it was a joke but it soon became apparent it wasn't and there was momentarily disbelief.

"I still think it is surprising. We made good progress this season but it shows everyone is expendable, especially in football.

"The timing seems a little strange, because changes normally come about when a manager has done particularly poorly.

"I don't think the gaffer has, so in that respect it's a bit bemusing, but I am sure there are reasons.

"I just hope the gaffer takes the job of coach or gets back into football. I am sure a lot of the players wish him the best."

Forster, top scorer with 19 goals, is looking forward to working with Adams. "Our paths have not crossed but he has obviously done a fantastic job here in the past and is highly revered by the fans," said the 34-year-old marksman.

"In that respect I am sure in some quarters it will be a very popular decision but he needs to be given time to settle in."