The hunt for Albion's new manager has developed into a four-way fight between Mark McGhee, Leroy Rosenior, Iain Dowie and Stuart Gray.

Former Millwall manager McGhee, Torquay's head coach Rosenior, Oldham chief Dowie and ex-Southampton boss Gray are all on chairman Dick Knight's shortlist.

The Argus first linked McGhee with the post eight days ago, after he parted company with Millwall. The 46-year-old Glaswegian has strong credentials, having guided both Reading and Millwall to the Second Division title.

McGhee has also managed Leicester in the Premier League and Wolves in Division One.

The Argus revealed on Thursday that Rosenior could be a contender. Torquay chairman Mike Bateson will demand compensation for the 38-year-old former Fulham and West Ham forward, as he is on a rolling one-year contract.

An approach was made to Torquay on Wednesday and Rosenior was interviewed on Thursday.

Rosenior, a highly qualified coach, was in charge of Bristol City's reserves and youth team under former Albion captain Danny Wilson. He has also managed Gloucester and Merthyr Tydfil in the Dr Martens League.

Dowie, 38 last month, has been interviewed by Knight. The former Northern Ireland international took Oldham to the Second Division play-offs last season following a spell at QPR as first team coach and reserve boss.

Dowie, also interviewed for the Reading job before it went to ex-Albion manager Steve Coppell, is working without a contract at Oldham.

Gray's brief spell in charge of Southampton two seasons ago included a 3-0 win against Albion in the League Cup at Withdean. He also had a stint as caretaker at Aston Villa with John Deehan.

Meanwhile, midfielder Nathan Jones today promised Albion fans: "We won't settle for second best."

The Welshman has set his sights on an immediate return to the top of the table in Bob Booker's final game in caretaker charge at home to Stockport tomorrow.

The Seagulls will go back to the Second Division summit if they win and new leaders Plymouth fail to beat Blackpool at home.

Jones said: "It's vital to get three points. We want to be top of the League, we don't like being second.

"There are 23 teams in this League that would be delighted to be where Brighton are now.

"We are the only ones unhappy at being in second place, but we aim to put that right as quickly as possible."