Albion are searching for a fourth goalkeeping coach in two years following the resignation of homesick Finn Antti Niemi.

The ex-Fulham shot-stopper has returned to Helsinki for family reasons after a season with the Seagulls.

Niemi’s departure places a question mark over Albion’s pursuit of Finland international Niki Mäenpää.

The keeper with Dutch club VVVV-Venlo is a target for the Seagulls to compete next season with David Stockdale, which would allow young understudy Christian Walton to go out on loan.

Mäenpää’s agent, Richinel Bryson, revealed in Saturday’s Argus that his potential move to the Amex was “not dependent” on Niemi staying, although he also said they were “keen to see what the club is going to do.”

Niemi has joined predecessors Ruben Martinez and Andy Beasley in lasting a year with Albion.

The 42-year-old, also goalkeeping coach of Finland’s national side, joined last summer when fellow countryman Sami Hyypia became manager.

He saw out the season after Hyypia quit in December and Chris Hughton took over.

Niemi said: “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."

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."

Mäenpää, meanwhile, is still trying to help Venlo to promotion to the Dutch top flight.

They take a 2-1 lead into Friday’s home leg of the play-offs against Oss in their quest to qualify for the final, also over two legs.