Albion are poised for high quality interest in their vacancy for a technical director.

But they will not allow outgoing Dan Ashworth to move on until they are convinced the timing is right for them.

Ashworth has resigned and is expected to take a similar role at Newcastle United after serving what could be a substantial period of gardening leave.

David Weir, who was recently appointed his assistant, has taken over in an interim capacity.

Weir is considered by Albion to have one of the most impressive CVs of its kind in football.

But there has also been a sizeable external interest.

The Argus understands the club received multiple enquiries within an hour of Ashworth’s departure being confirmed by a club statement released at 10am yesterday.

The post is expected to attract high-calibre interest.

Ashworth might face a wait before he can move on.

Albion’s stance will be to protect their own interests rather than to help a rival club who are taking one of their top operators.

Ashworth could conceivably even remain on gardening leave under the terms of his contract when his successor is in place.

Albion see Ashworth, 50, as a key member of their off-field team over the last three years - but not irreplaceable.

A well-placed source said: “The key message will be Brighton are not in the business of helping rivals and will be as tough as they feel they should be.”

In the club statement, Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: “We are extremely disappointed that Dan will no longer be our technical director.

“He leaves a significant legacy in place and, for that, we are greatly appreciative.

“Dan has done an outstanding job and helped build on the progress the club had already made across all of our technical areas.”