Albion chairman Dick Knight says he's confident the club can continue to move forward despite today's shock departure of boss Peter Taylor.

Taylor quit Withdean today, just two weeks after leading the Seagulls to the Second Division title.

But Knight has pledged not to let the loss of his manager stop him in his attempts to re-establish Brighton in the upper echelons of the English game.

He said: "We have lost good managers in the past and grown stronger for it.

"This club will continue to go forward and has a packed agenda for the summer with preparation for Division One, Falmer, expansion at Withdean and now the search for a new manager - all challenges we're ready for."

Knight expressed his regret at Taylor's unexpected decision.

He said: "It's a great shame that Peter has chosen to resign. He has done a terrific job for the club in leading the Albion to the Second Division title, and it's sad that he doesn't wish to continue."

Taylor, who made his name managing the England Under-21s, is rumoured to have quit due to disagreements over finance and concerns over the proposed stadium redevelopment.

He was appointed after the exit of Micky Adams last October. The Seagulls have now lost two managers immediately after they led the club to promotion.

Assistant manager Bob Booker said the fact Taylor had not signed a contract with the Albion made his departure less of a surprise.

He said: "It's another turning point for the club isn't it? It was a shock to everyone but it's the same situation as when Micky was here.

"It's a very strange situation. Everyone is going to be concerned right through the club - players, management, fans.

"We're all in this position and we all know that Brighton could have done with some stability at this time.

"But we haven't had that for a while and this is just one more thing."

Albion captain Paul Rogers said: "It's a big shock to me and I'm sure it will be a big shock to the other lads as well.

"He's done really well here. Since he came in the lads took to him straight away.

"He is a good coach. His sessions were a lot more technical than we were used to and he's improved some of the players during his time at the club."

Former Brighton striker Gordon Smith said Taylor's sudden departure was the last thing that the club needed.

He said: "It's a big blow but I just hope they can pick themselves up because they've still got a lot to look forward to. They can be a success with or without Peter Taylor."

Brighton Independent Supporters Association founder member John Baine hit out at Taylor for showing a lack of loyalty after his decision to quit.

He said: "Taylor never signed a contract and it seemed to me he was using the job as a kind of stepping stone after his debacle at Leicester.

"He's done a great job, you can't argue with the Second Division Championship, but obviously he's not got very much loyalty."

Ian Hart, also a founder member of BISA, said councillors had to deliver the proposed community stadium at Falmer, adding: "Until then the Albion will continue to have problems keeping talented managers."

Albion lost only six of the 40 games played under Taylor en route to the Second Division championship.

His departure leaves the side looking for their eighth manager in nine years.

There was immediate speculation that assistant Bob Booker was being lined up as his replacement.