Micky Adams believes Albion got a realistic price for Bobby Zamora in a depressed transfer market.

The former Seagulls chief says chairman Dick Knight does not deserve stick for Zamora's £1.5 million move to Spurs.

Adams snapped up Zamora from Bristol Rovers reserves for £100,000 when he was in charge at Withdean.

He dropped out of the race to re-sign him for Leicester, because he would have been too much of a financial risk for the promoted Foxes.

Adams is glad Zamora has achieved his Premiership dream but sad for his former club that they have lost him.

"First of all I am pleased for Bobby," he said. "The boy expressed his wish to leave and I don't see why anybody should have a pop at him, Dick Knight or the club, although I probably wouldn't be saying that if I was still manager!

"You shouldn't hold people back. People have questioned whether Bobby can score goals at all levels but he has always proved them wrong.

"It was a wise investment by myself and Dick and I hope Bobby feels he benefitted from me and my coaching.

"As for £1.5 million? People might say he was underpriced but they have got to understand that the bottom has dropped out of the transfer market.

"Brighton would have run the risk of getting half that after another year in the Second Division.

"Chelsea are spending big but on proven quality, not people who may or may not do it.

"Bobby's departure is bad news for Brighton because who is going to score goals now?

"They still have the nucleus of the squad. Now they have got to find somebody from somewhere to put the ball in the back of the net but I have no doubt they will still have a decent season.

"Steve (Coppell) is a good manager. He knows what he wants."

Paul Brooker is back at Withdean with Leicester for tonight's showpiece friendly.

Adams stunned Seagulls supporters by signing the winger in the summer on a Bosman free transfer.

Brooker is gradually coming to terms with finding himself in such high-profile company.

Leicester host Ronaldinho, Kluivert and co. when Barcleona visit the Walkers Stadium on Friday.

Their first away match in the Premiership is at Chelsea and next month's fixture list reads Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester United.

"It was always going to be difficult for Bozzy because there are a lot of quality players here," Adams said.

"He is under no illusions. It will be very difficult for him to get in the team and he will have to work hard to get in the squad.

"When he first arrived at the club it was all a new experience for him, just the perks that come with being at a Premiership club.

"I have been pleased with what he has done so far. He has settled in nicely and scored a goal on our pre-season tour of Finland."

Former Blackburn winger Keith Gillespie is among ten new signings made by Adams, although he says the figure is misleading.

"One is a second choice goalkeeper, one is a baby centre half, as well as Bozzy, so it is ten new bodies really."

Adams, a master of reverse psychology, insists the bookmakers have got it right in making Leicester favourites for an immediate return to Division One.

"I can't disagree with that," he said. "We have got the smallest budget in the Premier League.

"Everyone knows what we are up against but it is up to us not to be worried by it, take the challenge on and have a go.

"Anything other than relegation will be a major success for us."

On a personal note, Adams is looking forward to testing his managerial skills against the likes of Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

"It's taken a long time to get where I am and I am relishing the challenge," he said.

"I still remember the time, not so long ago, when I was under pressure at Brighton. It just goes to show what can be achieved."