Albion are demanding compensation from Cardiff for the sudden departure of assistant manager Alan Cork.

Cork was contracted to the Seagulls until the end of the season.

Chief executive Martin Perry said: "The question of compensation is currently under discussion with Sam Hamman (Cardiff owner).

"Corky is contracted to us and we certainly feel entitled to something, so we will pursue it."

The Argus revealed Cork's shock switch in yesterday's late editions.

The 41-year-old ex-forward is teaming up again at Ninian Park with former Wimbledon governor Hammam and boss Bobby Gould, his manager when the Dons won the FA Cup in 1988.

Cork's contract was not in line with that of Albion manager Micky Adams.

Adams was given a four-year deal when he took charge of the Seagulls 17 months ago.

"Obviously there was the opportunity to extend Corky's contract prior to it coming to the end of its term and quite clearly that's what we would have had in mind," Perry claimed.

"It would have been a little bit early in the season to have done it but we would have shortly, there's no question of that.

"It hadn't come up. This has come as a complete surprise, an absolute bolt from the blue.

"It became quite obvious when we learnt the terms on offer to Alan there was no way we would be able to do anything about it except to wish him well."

A shellshocked Adams has now lost his three-time assistant Cork and Reserve boss Ian Culverhouse in a matter of weeks. Culverhouse left to become youth team coach at Barnet.

Injured midfielder Warren Aspinall took charge of the Reserves at Wycombe yesterday, while former England goalkeeping coach Mike Kelly is currently helping Adams out on a part-time basis.

"I haven't spoken to Micky personally, but I am sure he is saddened," Perry said.

"When we talked to Micky about the Brighton job Corky's name immediately cropped up and he made it clear he wanted him as his No. 2. They are a good team, so I am sure Micky will miss him.

"We haven't got a reserve team coach either, so the timing is very unfortunate. We are going to have to move fairly quickly to do something about it.

"Clearly it is something we are looking to get settled as soon as possible. The team are playing well and we don't want to disrupt that."

Cork, previously Adams' assistant also at Fulham and Swansea, was saying his goodbyes to the Albion players before training today.

Cork said: "I've known Sam for 24 years. he is godfather to my daughter Kayleigh. In fact, he is like my dad.

"I'm getting married again in June to Claire Dugard and Micky is my best man, so no-one has fallen out. It's just an opportunity which is too good to miss."

Chairman Dick Knight said: "We're shocked and saddened at Corky's sudden departure.

"It was his decision entirely to join up with his old Wimbledon mates at Cardiff, despite the tremendous progress we are making at this club.

"But onwards and upwards. Micky and I will work closely on finding a replacement and meanwhile I am sure he and the players will want to do their talking at York on Saturday."