Albion have sacked manager Russell Slade after just eight months in charge.

The Albion manager was relieved of his duties today, following the 3-3 draw with Hartlepool United at Withdean yesterday. Assistant manager Dean White and first-team coach Bob Booker are also leaving the club.

Martin Hinshelwood will takeover as caretaker manager, assisted by Steve Brown and Charlie Oatway.

Chairman Tony Bloom said: "It is not a decision we have taken lightly and one taken with a heavy heart.

"Russell is a good man - which made it an even harder decision to take - but it is one which has been made in the club's best interests.

"Like all Albion fans, I am extremely grateful for Russell's achievements at the end of last season, as he kept us in League One against the odds." Slade was appointed in March on a contract until the end of the season and was rewarded with a two-year deal after ensuring the club avoided relegation. However, Albion are hovering just one place above the drop zone.

Slade added, "I am extremely sad that things have not worked out - but we have parted on good terms.

"I felt we were progressing through a much-needed and vital rebuilding process; that was never going to be easy with the large turnover of players during the close season.

"Whoever the club appoints will inherit a squad with enormous potential and an extremely supportive fan base. The supporters have been first class throughout my time here - and I would like to place on record my thanks to them.

"I'd also like to thank those staff and players, who worked so hard for me during the past eight months, and of course Dick Knight for giving me the opportunity to manage the club in the first place."

Bloom added, "Dean and Bob have both played a huge part in the club's history, not least in the three most-recent promotion successes. I would like to thanks them for their commitment over the past nine years."