Albion defender Simon Morgan today urged the club not to panic as they began their search for their eighth manager in the last nine years.

Morgan, a virtual ever present during the promotion-winning campaign, is not surprised by the departure of Peter Taylor.

He said: "I'm disappointed that he's gone especially as it comes at a time when we should all still be celebrating a magnificent achievement.

"But it doesn't surprise me and I don't think it will shock too many of the senior players. Having said that Peter did a magnificent job when Micky Adams left and I hope that isn't forgotten.

"I hope the club don't panic because Brighton will emerge from this even stronger than before. The club and its supporters have enough spirit to bounce back."

Morgan's own future is in doubt because of a persistent knee injury. He admitted he had made a decision on whether he would retire but is delaying an announcement.

Club captain Paul Rogers believes Taylor will soon be back in management.

"He's a good manager whose record speaks for itself, apart from the dodgy spell at Leicester," said Rogers.

"I'm sure he will bounce back and I hope he does, I have the utmost respect for him."

Rogers says news of Taylor's departure came as a shock.

"It seems an odd time for it to happen considering the season we have just had. We all know he was having talks with the chairman about next season, but the players don't really get involved in things like that.

"I suppose the one good thing is that it has happened at the end of the season so there is time for a transition period for the club to sort something out before the new season starts.

"He is a good coach. His sessions were a lot more technical than we were used to and he's improved some of the players during his time at the club."

Liz Costa, chairwoman of Albion's supporters club, believes Taylor's former No. 2 Bob Booker should be given a chance to lead the club into the First Division.

"I'd like to see him be given a chance," she said.

"He has been the seamless join between Micky Adams and Peter Taylor and I'm sure he could do the job. But I don't know if he would like that sort of responsiblity."

Costa believes Taylor should have stayed and says sympathy should lie with the board as they begin the search for another manager.

"I think it's an insult to them and the players," she added. "I feel very sorry for the board. I think he (Taylor) wants to get back into the England set-up all along and was using the club to relaunch his career.

"It's put a bit of a downer on what was a fabulous day of celebrations on Saturday."

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