Albion chairman Dick Knight has re-opened talks with boss Steve Coppell about his future.

But there is still no indication from the club as to whether Coppell is staying or going.

The pair were unavailable for comment after meeting for further discussions yesterday.

Coppell returned at the end of last week from a three-week holiday in the Far East, during which he considered the club's offer of a new contract.

Knight was optimistic Coppell would accept the deal in an exclusive interview with The Argus 11 days ago.

He said: "The offer I made is a good, constructive offer. I am confident he will stay but I can't guarantee it. I would expect a decision early in June."

Fans are becoming increasingly concerned about a repeat of last summer's managerial uncertainty.

Peter Taylor quit after steering the Seagulls to the Second Division title.

Knight interviewed several candidates, including Coppell, but the vacancy was not filled until July when Martin Hinshelwood was promoted from the role of director of youth.

Albion announced last October that Coppell had been appointed in place of Hinshelwood and that he had "agreed a one-year contract".

The Seagulls were hopelessly adrift at the foot of the First Division when the former England and Manchester United winger took charge but he almost guided them to a miraculous escape.

Albion were only relegated on the final day, as fellow strugglers Stoke beat Reading and they drew at Grimsby.

Supporters, fed up with seeing a succession of managers come and go, are desperate for the publicity-shy Coppell to stay.

He has even won over the minority of supporters initially sceptical about his appointment because of his close association with arch-rivals Crystal Palace.

A record number of just under 5,000 season ticket holders have renewed seats at Withdean, despite the Seagulls' drop back down to Division Two.

Ticket office spokeswoman Sally Townsend said: "We had a very brisk response, which is brilliant considering the team were relegated."

A limited number of season tickets are still available at prices five per cent higher than last year.

More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk