MATY RYAN says Albion’s progress this season under head coach Graham Potter has been clear to see.

Potter signed a new two-year contract extension last week after Albion’s impressive start to the season.

Potter’s backroom team of assistant Billy Reid, first-team coach Bjorn Hamberg and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay all agreed contract extensions until 2025 too.

The news came as a bit of a surprise to many people, Potter included, as he is only six months into a four-year deal signed in May when appointed.

But keeper Ryan has backed the bold decision.

He said: “We were all congratulatory to them, it is what they deserve.

“I think the progress has been clear for everyone to see and it obviously falls within the plan of what the Board and all the guys higher up are wanting from them.

“As a playing group we have thoroughly enjoyed playing under them, growing each week and having that ambitious approach to every game that we go anywhere and be successful.

“We have been thriving on that and everyone is very excited for what the future holds for the club.

“I am confident if we can keep continuing in this manner, then we are going to be a force to be reckoned with moving forward.”

Albion currently sit two points above the relegation zone after suffering three defeats in a row to Manchester United, Leicester City and Premier League leaders Liverpool at the weekend.

The Seagulls head to Arsenal on Thursday, who are currently without a manager after Unai Emery was sacked on Friday morning.

Last season Albion picked up a point at the Emirates in a 1-1 draw in May and Ryan hopes they can grab all three points this time around.

He said: “We are going to be expecting a reaction.

“We can’t focus on them we need to focus on ourselves and it is going to be our next test.

“We need to see if we can learn and mature from the performance against Liverpool.

“Last year we got a point there towards the end of the season, it would be nice if we can go one better than that.”