Albion goalkeeping coach Antti Niemi has quit for family reasons.

The former Fulham and Southampton custodian is going back home to Helsinki in Finland.

Niemi, also goalkeeping coach of Finland's national team, joined the Seagulls last summer when fellow countryman Sami Hyypia became manager.

The 42-year-old stayed on for the rest of the season after Hyypia resigned in December and Chris Hughton took over.

Niemi said in a statement released by the club: "It was a hard decision because I loved my time at Brighton, but it was difficult spending so much time away from my family.

"I had been living on my own for 12 months, away from my wife and kids, and we came to the conclusion that it would be too difficult to carry on.

"I learnt so much during my time at the club and am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to work with some terrific people."

Hughton has paid tribute to Niemi's contribution at all levels, as well as his work with No.1 David Stockdale, young second choice Christian Walton and veteran third choice Casper Ankergren.

Hughton said: "Antti has had a hugely positive impact on all the goalkeepers at the club - not just those in the first team squad, but also players from the academy and women's team.

"He has been a pleasure to work with and I would like to thank him for his dedication and professionalism over the last season."

Confirmation of Niemi's departure follows doubts over his future revealed by the representative of Albion goalkeeping target Niki Mäenpää in Saturday's Argus.

Richinel Bryson said Finland international Mäenpää's potential move to Albion was "not dependent" on Niemi staying.

Bryson also said: "We are keen to see what the club is going to do."

Albion's search for Niemi's replacement has already begun.

They are keen, meanwhile, on Mäenpää, who is coming to the end of his contract with Dutch second division play-off contenders VVV-Venlo, as competition for Stockdale.

That would pave the way for England under-20s prospect Walton to go out on loan next season.