JEFF Wood is Albion's new manager.

Chairman Dick Knight has put him in charge of the Seagulls for the rest of the season.

It's the perfect birthday present for Wood, 45 yesterday.

"To get a chance to manage a big club like Brighton is a dream come true," he said. "The reception I've had from the fans is fantastic and the players have been very positive.

"It's nice to know I have got the job through to the end of the season. That takes the pressure off the immediate results, although reaching the play-offs is our minimum aim."

Wood was made caretaker manager a fortnight ago when Brian Horton quit to join Port Vale.

Since then the former Charlton goalkeeper has steered the promotion-chasing Seagulls to successive 1-0 home victories against Scarborough and Peterborough.

The Argus revealed on Monday that Wood was on the brink of becoming Albion's sixth manager in five years.

The Board met last week to discuss the position and no obvious alternative emerged.

Knight decided to end the uncertainty by rubber-stamping his role before tonight's important match at Swansea.

Wood celebrated his appointment at home in Harlow, Essex, last night with his wife Sandra.

"It has been a case ever since Brian left of preparing for games and what will be will be," he added.

"I obviously wanted the job and I thought if results went right I would get it.

"Having a contract for the rest of the season suits me fine. It gives me time and I would like to feel we can go forward and build on what we have already achieved.

"We've got a quality squad here now with some quality players. The move to Withdean and plans for a permanent stadium at Falmer show that we are looking to go forward in all directions and we have to continue that on the pitch."

Wood's appointment will be warmly welcomed by the team and fans alike.

The players publicly supported his bid to land the job and he was the runaway winner of an exclusive Argus phone poll, with 40 per cent of the votes.

Knight said: "We had some interesting applicants, but Jeff thoroughly deserves this opportunity.

"He already has an excellent relationship with the players and I am looking to build even further on that as we enter this vital stage of the season.

"Jeff has played a major part in bonding the players into a formidable outfit and if they continue pulling together for him and our marvellous fans, I am confident we can maintain our promotion challenge."

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