Paul Barber says Albion want to give Roberto De Zerbi the tools to get back into Europe as soon as possible.

The Seagulls have seen hopes of a second successive season of UEFA competition slip away after a poor recent run.

But they remain on course for the third highest league placing in their history.

Chief executive and deputy chairman Barber said: “We keep pushing forward and we want to be back in European football.

“We enjoyed it so much. Everybody enjoyed it on and off the pitch.

“We want to try and do whatever we can to give Roberto the tools he needs to help us do that again.

“That’s not easy. There are other clubs around us who are improving and spending a lot of money.

“Certainly it will be our aim to be back in Europe as quickly as we can and from this moment forward we keep planning and working towards that.”

Asked for commitment over investment in players, Barber told a BBC Radio Sussex fans forum at the Amex: “I think in the 11 years that Tony (Bloom) has owned the club, you have seen nearly half a billion pounds’ worth of investment.

“I don’t think there is any question about investment in either the infrastructure or the playing squad.

“We always have to take the right time to invest with the right player and that will continue.

“Every transfer window we go into, we try to improve and strengthen the squad.

“This summer will be no different.”