Paul Watson is refusing to rule out a promotion hat-trick for managerless Albion after signing a new three-year contract.

The Hastings born rightback insists the Seagulls have "as good a chance as anybody" in the First Division.

Watson has played a key part in Albion's double title triumph, missing only one League match and creating a number of goals for Bobby Zamora with his expertise at set pieces.

"It's a big weight off my mind," admitted the former Brentford defender.

"I wanted to get it done before the start of the season and the only thing now is to hopefully get a new manager in before we start.

"I'm really looking forward to it. I think the rest of the lads are as well. It's what we have been working for.

"We've got a great bunch and we know there are going to be some players brought in, so I think we have got as good a chance as anybody."

The Argus revealed prior to Peter Taylor's resignation at the end of last season that Albion were offering fresh deals to several of their consecutive championship heroes.

Nathan Jones was the first to put pen to paper, Gary Hart has just signed a three-year contract and now Watson has followed suit.

Assistant boss Bob Booker said: "They were under contract but the chairman and club felt the need to reward them for the success of the last couple of seasons and rightly so.

"Paul is a quality player and we are hoping he shows that in the First Division."

Confirmation of more new contracts for other members of the squad are expected to follow now that chairman Dick Knight is back from holiday.

Meanwhile, in order to allevitate turnstile congestion at Turf Moor, Burnley have requested that Albion sell an initial allocation of 1,000 tickets in advance for the first match of the season on August 10.

The capacity for away support is 4,000. This will not prohibit entry on the day but will ensure that supporters will not suffer long delays when entering the ground.

Tickets go on sale from next Monday to personal callers only who are members of the Away Supporters Scheme. They are priced £16 and £8.

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