Simon Rodger has urged Steve Coppell to stay on as Albion manager and give him a two-year deal.

The Shoreham-born midfielder is one of 11 players now out of contract.

Coppell is thinking over a new deal to stay on after just failing to save the Seagulls from relegation from Division One Rodger, brought to the club in October by Coppell, his former boss at Crystal Palace, said: "I'd love Steve to stay on and a two-year contract for me would be nice.

"I've enjoyed playing for my home team. It is also useful being near my family. I'm in the best job in the world and I'd like it to continue for as long as possible.

"I've worked with Steve for most of my career and he is, without doubt, the best manager I've worked for. He is not a shouter or bawler but inspires loyalty in players because he is so good at his job. He has picked up a lot of ideas from the continent and used them to Brighton's benefit over the past seven months.

"I've heard there has been talk of him getting a long-term contract and I hope he accepts it."

Dave Beasant, Dean Blackwell, Paul Brooker, Paul Kitson, Daniel Marney, Will Packham, John Piercy, Adam Virgo and Shaun Wilkinson are all out of contract and Paul Rogers has retired.

Rodger said: "I've read that Steve says money needs to be invested to improve the team. He is right with so many players' contracts up and many good unemployed players are likely to be available in the summer.

"I am grateful to be playing when there are a lot out of work so I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Rodger believes Bobby Zamora would not harm his career by staying at Albion.

Zamora, contracted with Albion until 2006, almost certainly played his last match for the club in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Grimsby which confirmed relegation to Division Two.

He has been linked with moves to Premiership Tottenham and Leicester.

Rodger said: "Bobby needs to be in a top team. That's where his play belongs. But he is still young and has time to develop with us. It'd be great to have him stay."

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle is stepping up his search for a striker after veteran Teddy Sheringham was released this week and he watched Zamora several times last season.

The final say on transfers at White Hart Lane is understood to rest with director of football David Pleat.

If Spurs do pursue their interest, they must sell players first to fianace any deal.

Coppell said earlier this week there had been no enquiries or offers for the England under-21 international.

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