Midfielder Gary Dicker has added his voice to those backing Albion’s decision to offer Russell Slade a new deal.

Now the Stockport midfielder wants to rejoin Slade at Withdean next season.

Dicker, who helped set up the safety-clinching goal against his parent club on Saturday, is to date the only player signed by Slade in his two months as Seagulls chief.

That will quickly change in the coming weeks and months as Slade plots a play-off push and builds his squad after agreeing a new two-year deal at Withdean.

The young Irishman played the last nine games of the season on loan to the Seagulls and would love to be one of the boss’s first full transfers.

He said: “The gaffer has been brilliant. The job he has done since coming in is top class if you ask me.

“He has motivated the players as much as anyone can. I think he is one of the best motivators I’ve had as a manager.

“He gets us organised, we all know our jobs, so I’ve no complaints. If I was to pick anyone, I would pick him for the job.”

Dicker, who made his debut in the 0-0 draw against Tranmere, revealed he was brought south as Slade tried to shore things up ahead of the back four.

The deep-lying midfield man said: “When the gaffer brought me in he said ‘we’re not too good at stopping goals’.

“He brought me in and I’m used to that job.

“He knew what I was good at and he took a gamble on me because I’m sure a lot of people down here would not have heard of me. Hopefully I’ve repaid him.”

Dicker admits the time was not right to discuss turning his loan into a more permanent transfer as the Seagulls strove for safety but he loves what he has seen of life in Sussex.

He said: “There are players here at the club who don’t know what’s going on so I don’t think it would be fair if they were speaking to me first.

“I was just concentrating on my football and trying to keep Brighton up. Thankfully I’ve done that.

“I wouldn’t say no to staying, I’ve really enjoyed it here. Hopefully they invite me.”