Brighton and Hove Albion have blasted Bristol City for making their interest in Danny Wilson public.

The Seagulls are angry their approach for former captain Wilson to become manager was revealed yesterday on City's website.

City chairman John Laycock said Albion approached him last Thursday night and he informed Wilson of their interest.

He claimed Wilson does not want to leave and "that is where the matter ends."

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, confirmed: "An approach was made to Bristol City in the proper fashion and it would appear that it has been rejected.

"We are very surprised that they put it on their website. The fact that it has gone into the public domain causes a great deal of unrest.

"We're pretty upset, because it is obviously disturbing to our coaching staff and players to hear that kind of news. It's not on.

"It certainly doesn't look as though things will progress. If they have said we cannot talk to him it really puts an end to it, unless they change their mind."

Albion are now looking elsewhere in the exhausting hunt for Peter Taylor's successor.

Perry said: "There are still other names in the hat and we shall take a look at them.

"It is not the end of the road.

"We are not going to end up without a manager. There are other very good candidates."

The Argus understands at least one of the contenders is also already employed with another club.

Wilson, one of the highest paid managers in the Second Division, is on a 12-month rolling contract at Ashton Gate so Albion would have to cough up compensation.

The Seagulls have been boosted by the Nationwide League's deal with Sky TV following the collapse of ITV Digital.

The new package is reportedly worth £364,000 a season to Division One clubs plus £60,000 per live game.

Due to increased interest, Worthing Football Club will be open every evening this week from 7.00 to 9.30 selling tickets for the friendly with Albion next Tuesday.