Albion club captain Paul Rogers has quit as a player and will take up a role in the club's commercial department when his contract expires at the end of June.

The 38-year-old midfielder has been a bit-part player with the Seagulls' relegated after two seasons in which he has led championship-winning teams.

He said: "I had a chat with Steve Coppell as soon as he came and I knew the situation. I've no complaints because he kept me involved in the squad and the likes of Simon Rodger and Chippy (Richard Carpenter) have done well in midfield.

"I've been playing for the reserves mainly and I've enjoyed helping the youngsters coming through and the attitude of the pros playing in those matches, which has been first class, plus the training.

"But the fact I hadn't been involved as much as I would have liked along with a good offer to join the commercial department, prompted my decision."

Rogers was signed from Wigan by Micky Adams four years ago and made 119 starts for the Seagulls, scoring 15 goals.

He said: "I knew his assistant Corky (Alan Cork) from our days together at Sheffield United but I had never met Micky. He told me to get on the Brighton train because the club was going places and I've had a brilliant time as a player from day one, really good times and the fans have been brilliant.

"I would have to pick out the day we clinched the Third Division title against Chesterfield as my highlight."

Rogers is convinced Albion will make a quick return to the First Division.

He said: "The club have progressed so quickly and I'm sure they will get back. The players have shown they can cope with the level and I hope Steve stays on to manage them."

Rogers will work with commercial manager Kevin Keehan while playing non-league football, probably with Ryman premier Sutton United, where he enjoyed an FA Cup run in which they defeated Coventry in 1989.

He said: "I came into pro football just before my 27th birthday and there's no job I would rather do but you have to live in the real world. "I promisedthe Sutton chairman, Bruce Elliott, that when I retired from pro football I would give them first refusal."

Adams, now with Premiership Leicester, paid tribute to Rogers.

He said: "Paul was a magnificent signing. He's a leader of men. He's a big man you could always rely on for seven-out-of-ten performances."