Russell Slade wants to guarantee a long-term future with Albion – by becoming an instant success.

The new Seagulls chief only has a contract for the rest of the season but he plans to persuade the Board by staving off relegation from League One.

Former Yeovil boss Slade, 48, said: “I haven’t come down here for the eight weeks, I’ve come down here for the long stay.

“I think it’s probably right to review it in the summer and make it impossible for them not to take Russell Slade.

“It might only be a short-term contract but I don’t see it like that. I see it as a huge challenge for me.

“I love challenges and let’s hope it’s not a challenge too far. I don’t believe it will be, I have great belief that we can turn the club around and stay up.”

Slade has no clause in his contract assuring him of the job if Albion avoid the drop but chairman Dick Knight said: “He would be in pole position then. I said to Russell I am not going to give him a long-term contract right now.

“I have the confidence in him to do the job immediately required. He is very happy to accept the job on that basis and it means we are all focused.

“There are no certainties but I think this move will give us the best possible chance of staying in this league.”

Knight also hinted Slade will receive a bonus if he steers the Seagulls clear of relegation.

He said: “Russell will be properly rewarded for keeping us in this league but he is not doing the job for the money. He loves the challenge and I think he will deliver.”

Slade, frustrated by a lack of ambition at Yeovil, caught a glimpse of Albion’s future at Falmer on his first day in charge.

“I saw the footings of the stadium as I came into the training ground for the first time and it’s a big pull for me, coming from a small club like Yeovil,” he said.

“The chairman is very passionate about his club. He is also obviously very concerned at the situation the club is in right now but there are so many projects here. It has huge potential.”