Albion are open to in internal appointment as they weigh up their next big coaching decision.

The Seagulls have been in no undue rush to replace under-18s boss Mark Beard, who recently joined Simon Rusk’s staff at Stockport County.

They were similarly considered when Rusk left the under-23s to head to Edgeley Park last season.

Andrew Crofts was placed in joint caretaker charge and has since taken on the role on a full-time basis.

Albion have a wealth of emerging coaching talent within their academy and are keen to promote from within if they can.

Technical director Dan Ashworth and academy boss John Morling will weigh up internal applications and then decide whether to open the field to those outside the club.

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Albion consider they have adequate coaching cover to look after all the age groups at this time of year.

Ashworth himself could take some coaching duties in the interim period if he has time.

A club source said: “He likes to get out there on the grass sometimes as well and deliver sessions.

“He doesn’t have a lot of time to do so during the transfer window but he is obviously more than able to do that.”

Albion under-23s enjoyed a second successive 1-0 win as they continued their friendly programme on Friday evening.

A trialist playing in an attacking role scored against Eastbourne Borough.

Crofts used 22 players in all, three of whom were trialists.

Former Reims striker Ulrich Emene Ella was twice denied by Curtis Anderson, the England under-19s goalkeeper currently on loan to Borough from Wycombe.

Jeremy Sarmiento, the recent signing from Benfica who played in the previous run out versus Worthing, was not involved this time.

Albion’s under-23s take on Rusk’s Stockport in their next friendly next Monday.