Albion today confirmed Second Division title expert Mark McGhee as their new manager.

The former Millwall chief was unveiled as the Seagulls' eighth boss in six years at a lunchtime press conference at Brighton's Grand Hotel.

McGhee has been given a contract until the end of next season.

He succeeds Steve Coppell, who left for Reading earlier this month, The 46-year-old Glaswegian has already won the Second Division championship twice before, with Reading in 1993-94 and Millwall in 2000-2001.

He is looking forward to a tilt at a unique hat-trick, just 13 days after Millwall surprisingly axed him, although his ambitions for Albion do not stop there.

McGhee said: "I think Millwall were ninth when I took over and we were promoted that season, so I have a headstart.

"There is no magic wand just because I have done it before in this division. It will involve Bob (Booker) and I working very hard with the players.

"I don't want to be in the Second Division for long, to be known as a Second Division specialist. I have come here to be at the top end of the game again."

McGhee quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate on chairman Dick Knight's shortlist, which also included Torquay's head coach Leroy Rosenior, Oldham boss Iain Dowie and ex-Cheltenham chief Steve Cotterill.

Knight said: "The other three chaps were all very impressive as well, but I think Mark is vital for the club at this time. He brings a wealth of experience.

"He is a winner in this division and the First Division with a record which will get us back on track to our target of promotion back to Division One this season."

The Argus first linked McGhee with the post on October 16, the day after he parted company with Millwall.

The former Celtic and Aberdeen striker takes charge of a team still second in the Second Division but in need of a lift following three straight defeats under caretaker Booker, who reverts back to assistant manager.

Paul Ifill, Millwall's Brighton-born winger, believes McGhee is just the man for the job.

Albion fan Ifill, a regular for Lions during McGhee's three-year reign, said: "I think he will be brilliant for Brighton. It will be a similar position to when he took over at Millwall. He could steady the ship and I am sure Brighton will push on for promotion under him."

McGhee also managed in the Premiership with Leicester. His first Albion match is at Peterborough on Saturday.