Albion chief Peter Taylor has given the championship-celebrating Seagulls a massive boost by moving a step closer to staying.

He has pledged to commit his future to the club if he is satisfied with the playing budget for the First Division next season.

That is now the only obstacle to Taylor signing the three-year contract offered when he took charge in October after chairman Dick Knight and the Board removed his fears over training facilities.

Taylor had key talks with his bosses 24 hours before Saturday's goalless stalemate against Swindon at Withdean which clinched the Division Two title.

"I had a very good meeting with the chairman and the directors," he revealed. "We are definitely getting there with regard to Sussex University. The work is going on, so to me that's not the issue.

"The only issue is probably the budget and the stadium, because any manager wants to be a success and to be given a fair chance.

"Because of the stadium situation it just might mean that our budget is much lower than other Division One teams. That is the only area that's concerning me.

"It's up to Dick and his Board now. They are going to come back to me with a figure and if that to me is a sensible figure it's all systems go. I would then put my signature to that piece of paper."

Knight, speaking exclusively to The Argus, said: "Peter and I have had significant conversations in the last few days. He can see the tremendous efforts to improve the facilities off the pitch and I am hopeful he will be the manager next season, but I can't guarantee that.

"The contract that I offered when he first came here is on the table and I am confident about the progress we have made in our discussions.

"We are talking about our plans for the squad next season. That says to me a manager who intends to be around when the season gets under way."

Knight revealed the outcome of the ongoing ITV Digital crisis will have a crucial bearing on the amount of money available to Taylor. He said: "I've already indicated to him there will be a substantially increased playing budget. The final sum of that budget will be dictated to some extent by the outcome of the ITV dispute.

"Clearly that is a major influence with division one club finances. Even allowing for the fact there may be virtually no money for First Division clubs from television next season he will still have a substantially increased budget.

"We are going to do everything possible to keep the squad together and to strengthen it where Peter and I feel it's necessary. The Board and I are going to do everything possible to keep Peter Taylor as manager of this club."

For a full report of Saturday's championship-winning match visit thisisthealbion.co.uk