Albion chairman Dick Knight has whittled down the hunt for the next manager to four main candidates.

The shortlist is thought to include Oldham chief Iain Dowie and ex-Southampton manager Stuart Gray, who watched Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth.

Knight has confirmed caretaker Bob Booker is still also among the frontrunners, in spite of the table-topping Seagulls' first reverse in seven League games.

Contrary to reports over the weekend former Cheltenham and Stoke boss Steve Cotterill has not been spoken to.

Knight has been conducting interviews from more than 50 applicants since Steve Coppell left for Reading 11 days ago.

The process will continue this week and Knight said it is "unlikely" the new manager will be in place for Saturday's home game against Stockport County.

He revealed: "There are a couple of excellent candidates who I have already seen.

"There is at least one other who I have to see who I think will be an excellent candidate, so we are down to a shortlist of three plus Bob because he is still in the running.

"I've also sat down and had a long chat with Bob and that is progressing as well.

"I am not anywhere near making a decision yet, but I've got some really good quality people.

"I've had over 50 applicants for the job. Several arrived on Saturday and there may well be more this week.

"I am not interested in managers that want to re-invent the wheel and rock the boat. Everyone can see the potential of our club and they want to be involved in it," added Knight.

Booker is looking for a positive response to Saturday's lacklustre third League defeat of the season against his former club Brentford at Griffin Park tomorrow night.

"We are still top of the League and there is still a long way to go," he said. "It was a set-back and people will be frustrated, but not more than me and the players.

"It is how we respond to it. We have to see now how good we are at bouncing back and that will be a good test.

"It's fine while you are going well and winning games but it's how you react when you lose one."

Leading marksman Leon Knight should be fit, despite limping off at the finish with a toe injury.