Andrew Crofts loved leading Albion from out in the middle and he loves coaching.

But life took an unexpected turn last Thursday morning.

The former skipper became head coach, albeit on an interim basis, as Graham Potter left the club and took his back room team with him.

Crofts had worked closely with Potter and, perhaps even more so, with his assistant Billy Reid.

As under-21s’ coach, he is keen to help develop players who fit the first team’s needs.

That close relationship between the two teams could be valuable with Crofts now with the senior side.

Even if, as now appears very possible, he does not actually take charge in a Premier League fixture.

Crofts said: “It’s something I have loved doing, in terms of trying to implement a style with the 21s that fits with the first team so that when young players go across and they are involved with that, they have an understanding of what is expected.

“I’m very familiar in terms of how we play, what we want to do.

“I’ve been to loads of games.

“Different games, different challenges, away games, home games.

“I’m very familiar with how the team play.”

Asked how much contact he had with Potter and his team on a daily basis, Crofts said: “A lot - probably more so with Billy in terms of what the first team requirements were from our squad.

“I felt very lucky because the gaffer was very inclusive of me and the way he treated and invested his time in young players as well, along with the other staff.”

Thursday was hand-over day at Albion’s training complex in Lancing.

Crofts said: “The staff came in and said their goodbyes and it was done in such a respectful way.

“Graham and the staff were such good people.

“I think the way they left and they said goodbye to all the people they worked with and built such good relationships with, it was a nice way to go - if there is a nice way.

“We wish Graham and the staff every success in the next chapter.

“Football is football, what happened happened, and I’m more than ready to step in and help out in any way I can.

“It was a surreal day but a great experience.

“It was very much adapting to different circumstances.

“Luckily I’ve been at the club for a period of time and know so many people at the club.

“I think that really helped.

“The group itself is such a good group and I’ve been exposed to that a little bit in terms of the role I’ve had with the 21s.

“It was fairly easy in terms of that because there were so many good people and the group is in such a good place in terms of what they are like as people.

“There were emotions, which come with what happened, but they were so good in terms of how they responded.”

Crofts said morale within the squad remained high, as it should do with Albion fourth in the table and coming off a 5-2 win over Leicester which now feels a long time ago.

Potter built on the work of Chris Hughton, who worked wonders to take the club into the top tier and keep them there.

Crofts said: “Graham had a really good platform to work from, similar to how the next manager will have a really good platform.

“I think Graham was always really respectful of that in terms of the work done prior to his arrival.

“Graham took that further. He implemented a style he wanted: “Players really bought into it.

“Along with the environment and culture he created, recruitment and so many factors that go into making the club better, he had such a positive impact.

“In terms of where the group is at now and the way they have been playing, I think it’s the best we have seen at the football club maybe ever.

“A lot of hard work has gone into that behind the scenes and for so many years so it’s an exciting time.”