Albion have told fans they will take “as long as is necessary” to complete an in-house inquiry into their suspended management team.

They have confirmed they will be making no public comment for now on events which led to the suspension of Gus Poyet, Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway.

But, in a statement released today, chief executive Paul Barber stressed it was business as usual in most areas of the club.

He also offered the prospect of a friendly at The Amex on the last weekend in July.

Barber told fans: “The club's internal processes involving Gus Poyet, Mauricio Taricco, and Charlie Oatway continue.

“We are conducting these matters reasonably, in light of all the circumstances. These processes will take as long as is necessary and, as I have explained previously, the club will not be making any public comment on the matter until we are in a position to do so.

“We are aware of some ill-informed and unfounded speculation appearing in various places. It is both unfair and unhelpful to everyone concerned. It should stop immediately to allow the internal processes to continue fairly and then conclude appropriately.

“In the meantime, please rest assured that the football club continues to function entirely as normal for the time of year.

“In some cases, staff from all areas of the club are taking well-earned breaks and holidays, while others continue to sell season tickets, apply finishing touches to a new club membership scheme, meet our post-season sponsor commitments, and finalise plans for our pre-season.”

The Seagulls’ squad will spend part of pre-season at a training camp in Spain and their schedule of pre-season friendlies is likely to include a match at The Amex on the weekend of July 27.

Read Paul Barber's full statement.