Albion fans have united in their praise for manager Micky Adams and mourned his loss as an ambassador for Brighton and Hove.

Hove actor Chris Ellison, former star of The Bill, said: "He will be a very hard act to follow and I hope the board appoints someone to replace him very quickly."

He also wondered how long Seagulls goal ace Bobby Zamora would now remain with the side.

"It is certainly on the cards that (Adams) will pinch Zamora. Let's face it, it is only a matter of time before someone lures him away to a bigger club.

"We have been very lucky to have two people of their quality at the club, but it will continue from strength to strength without them."

Simon Fanshawe, who helped co-ordinate Brighton and Hove's bid to win city status, praised Micky Adams as a great ambassador.

He said: "Micky has done great things in raising the profile of the city and we should thank him for it.

"He was instrumental in getting out into the community and promoting the benefits for everyone of becoming a city.

"The fortunes of Brighton and Hove have always mirrored the fortunes of the club and it is no coincidence that they are both enjoying such great success.

"As for Bobby Zamora, he is our David Beckham and I hope that he will stay with us."

Hove MP Ivor Caplin, a lifelong Albion supporter, said: "Micky Adams has done a fantastic job in the two-and-a-half years he has been at the club.

"He has brought a great quality to the club, winning our first championship last season, and it is a disappointment that we are losing him.

"Bobby Zamora has repeatedly said that he is happy at the club and wants to stay, and I hope he does.

"After Leicester got beaten 6-0 by Leeds on Tuesday, I think Micky would be better off sorting out the players he has there rather than trying to take ours!"

City council leader Ken Bodfish said: "It is a great blow, especially after such a successful start to the new season.

"But I am sure the Albion will overcome this little local difficulty and go on to secure the Second Division championship.

"The Albion is a great club, just as the city is a great place, and it is about more than just one or two people."

Roger French, managing director of the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said: "Micky Adams will be greatly missed.

"He has done wonderful work for the city in the time he has been at the club and has rightly been very popular because of his achievements."

Paul Elgood, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the city council and a lifelong Albion fan, said: "Micky has boosted the fortunes of both the club and the city.

"He leaves as manager of the month and with the club in great shape to meet the challenges ahead."

Tony Mernagh, city centre business manager, said: "It is a great shame that Micky Adams will not be around to see the Albion rise through the leagues to the Premiership or play at their new home.

"I am sure this will come as a great blow to both the club and all its loyal supporters, but it is one both are in a great position to move on from because of the achievements of both Micky and the team."

Former EastEnders star and Brighton actor Paul Moriarty, said: "It is a great shame and I feel for the club and the fans.

"I have been out in the city centre and everyone is talking about it. They want to know why he has quit just when the club was doing so well.

"He had become part of the identity of the new city, as the team has, and it will be a hard blow for us to overcome."