Former Albion star Elliott Bennett has revealed why he went public in his praise of under-fire Gus Poyet.

The Norwich City winger is convinced the Seagulls’ current players can ride out a storm caused by the suspension of Poyet, assistant Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway.

But he was so upset by events at The Amex that he took to Twitter to have his say.

Albion’s management team are under investigation by their own club and Poyet’s methods have been savaged by outgoing Spanish playmaker Vicente.

Bennett told The Argus: “I saw a lot of tweets and read quite bit of stuff in the paper that wasn’t very favourable to a manager I think is brilliant.

“I don’t know what is going on down there. I don’t know Vicente and I am not commenting on his comments.

“I’m not poking my nose in. But I just think whatever is going on, it is such a shame, because I’ve got a lot of time for Brighton and everyone down there. It holds a special place in my heart.

“I’ve got the utmost respect and admiration for the manager because he has been a massive part of why I’ve been able to play in the Premier League with Norwich.

“I’m sure things tend to come out in the wash but I just think, for the minute, to pass judgement on what Poyet has done at Brighton is foolish.”

Albion are expected to have a new man in charge by the start of next season with Poyet’s position looking increasingly vulnerable.

Bennett believes the squad will adapt whatever happens– but reckons they would best off with Poyet or a manager who plays a similar brand of football.

He added: “Players have to deal with different managers and different ways of thinking. It is never the same all the time.

“Whatever happens – and no one knows – the players will have to get on with it.

“Gary Dicker has come out and said a few words (in appreciation of Poyet) and that is coming from a player who has just been released by the football club.

“I think that just shows how much everyone thinks of the football club and the management.”

Bennett was at The Amex to support the Seagulls in their ill-fated play-off second leg against Crystal Palace.

He starred for the Albion side which won League One in 2010-11 playing a brand of football that took the division by storm.

The former Wolves youngster says he is “100% convinced” the same style of playing is best suited to the Premier League and reckons Poyet can get there.

He added: “Managers and players should be judged by what they achieve on the pitch and in the dugout and the same goes for football clubs.

“It’s not my place to say what is going on down there because I’m not there.

“But I went on Twitter because I wanted to say ‘fantastic football club and unbelievable manager’.

“I think he is destined to manage in the Premier League. You never know if he will. Football is a funny game but I just think as a manager and a man he has all the credentials and his record speaks for itself.

“Brighton is a fantastic football club, Gus Poyet is a fantastic manager.”