Albion are compiling a hit list of potential strike partners for goal hero Bobby Zamora.

Assistant Bob Booker and director of youth Martin Hinshelwood have also launched a hunt for at least one new centre half for the Seagulls' First Division campaign.

Chairman Dick Knight, currently on holiday in Spain, declared last week that he is working with Booker and Hinshelwood on new signings while the search for a manager continues.

Booker said: "We have lost Lee Steele, Daniel Webb and Wayne Gray, so we need strikers.

"With Simon Morgan retiring we also need a centre half and possibly two. They are the first areas and we are just putting a dossier of names and availability together."

The Argus revealed yesterday that Steele was in talks with Oxford. Loan signings Webb and Gray have returned to their parent clubs Southend and Wimbledon.

Morgan's departure leaves rookie Adam Virgo as the only recognised centre half to partner captain Danny Cullip, who has been on the transfer list at his own request since November.

The Argus revealed in April that Zamora, Cullip and other key members of the squad which landed consecutive titles had been lined up for improved contracts.

Booker said: "The thing is to keep the players happy that got us promotion. Once that is sorted out then whatever money is left will be available to bring new blood in."

Former boss Peter Taylor tried to sign Peterborough forward Leon McKenzie prior to last season's transfer deadline, but he has two years left on his contract and is well out of Albion's price range.

Brentford's Lloyd Owusu, available on a Bosman free transfer and another possible target, has several lucrative offers on the table which the Seagulls would not be able to match.

Albion are not expected to name a new manager before the players report back for pre-season training next Wednesday, so the existing coaching staff will be in charge of early preparations.

Booker said: "I'm really looking forward to it. These are testing times, but we are all relishing the challenge."

The Seagulls kick-off their programme of friendlies with a trip to Worthing on Tuesday, July 16 (7.30pm). Tickets, priced £8 for adults and £4 concessions, are already on sale at Albion's ticket office in Queen's Road, Brighton, as well as Worthing's Woodside Road home ground.

The match is not all ticket but buying in advance will help fans avoid the queues which inevitably build-up at the gates for this popular annual contest.

The Woodside Road office is open from 10am-1pm Monday to Saturday and 7-9.30pm on Thursdays.

The match is being billed as a first chance for Rebels boss Barry Lloyd to take on the club he guided to Wembley 11 years ago.

Meanwhile, former Albion and Worthing front runner Darren Freeman is making a comeback with Conference side Margate.

Freeman, who will be 29 in August, announced his retirement from professional football early last season after struggling with injuries.

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