RUSSELL Slade has been rewarded for his starring role in Albion’s Great Escape with two more seasons in charge at Withdean.

Slade, as first revealed by The Argus yesterday, has agreed a two-year deal to become the Seagulls’ permanent manager following talks with chairman Dick Knight and major investor Tony Bloom.

The new contract, if he is successful, puts the former Yeovil chief in pole position to be the man to lead Albion at their new Falmer stadium from August 2011.

Slade took on the task of rescuing Albion in March, on a short-term contract for the rest of the season, after Micky Adams parted company with the club and top target Jim Gannon turned them down to stay at Stockport.

The Seagulls were third-bottom in League One, their lowest position of the season, when Slade came in and they were eight points adrift of safety when they lost at MK Dons four weeks later.

He inspired a dramatic revival of five wins in seven games, including a hat-trick of victories after a potentially fatal defeat at home to fellow strugglers Swindon.

Survival was sealed by Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Gannon’s Stockport at Withdean.

That result lifted Albion to 16th, five places and three points clear of the drop.

Slade said: “It’s been a memorable few days but I have thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks and I am delighted the club has confirmed my permanent position.

“Since day one I have been given tremendous support by everyone at the club, from the chairman right the way down, and of course by the Albion fans who have been different class and backed us all the way.

“They deserve their new stadium, and with it now just two years away, the club has tremendous potential. What I want to do is get things moving forward on the pitch.”

Slade’s appointment was confirmed in a statement released by the club last night.

Knight wanted to act sooner but needed the agreement of Bloom, who is pumping millions of pounds into the stadium project and to help with the day-to-day running of the club.

Knight said: “Russell has done a fantastic job, pulling off a great escape, and I know all Albion fans will agree that he has earned his new contract. He deserves this opportunity to lead us forward.

“His managerial track record and reputation were excellent before he arrived but, having seen him at work over the last eight weeks, he has significantly enhanced that reputation further.

“Russell is an excellent man manager, who has shown superb skills in motivating and preparing the team. He makes shrewd tactical changes during a game.

“He is enthusiastic about the club and has already established a great rapport with the fans and everyone at the Albion, having quickly understood the unique history and culture of our club."