Albion boss Sami Hyypia has thanked the Board for their backing as he fights to save his job.

Hyypia’s future was discussed during a Board meeting yesterday.

It was scheduled before the successive defeats against Fulham and leaders Derby which have left the club in the Championship relegation zone and before chairman Tony Bloom heads off to Australia for the winter.

The Seagulls face fellow strugglers Millwall in a crucial clash in front of the Sky cameras at the Amex on Friday night with Hyypia grateful for the backing of the hierarchy.

They have refused to bow to fan pressure calling for the head of the workaholic Finn during a run of one win in the last 16 league games.

Hyypia, speaking before the Board meeting, told The Argus: “As long as I am in this position I feel I have the backing of the Board. People are being very supportive and I want to thank them for that, because they understand and see what is happening.

“Of course, I am responsible for everything but they can see how we do our work and what’s happening on the pitch. I would still say they wouldn’t need to say to me I have their backing, because I can feel it, I can see it, and as long as I am wearing this (Albion) shirt then I have the backing.

“I’ve never had a feeling that I didn’t have that but it would be great if sometimes I was able to switch off as well. I am thinking constantly about what we could do better, what we need to change to do better or how we can get more out of the players more consistently.

“It would be great if I could switch off, think about something else and come back more effective.”