New Albion boss Peter Taylor is aiming for a repeat of his Second Division promotion triumph with Gillingham.

Taylor steered the Seagulls' former landlords to Division One via the play-offs two seasons ago.

Now the former Leicester manager wants to build on the flying start made by Albion in Division Two under Micky Adams and caretaker Bob Booker.

Taylor, who has signed a three-year contract, pledged: "Looking at the position of the team you would expect to try and get in the play-offs, if not automatic promotion.

"That is the aim I am setting out straight away.

"I have spoken to Micky Adams about the squad and a few other people, so I know that the players are a very close bunch. They are very happy with each other and very confident in each other's ability and it's a little bit like the Gillingham situation when I went there.

"They were a confident group of players and that's how I see it, so I am really not looking to change too much on the playing side, if anything. I am looking forward to working with them and getting on with getting some points."

Taylor was meeting the players and backroom staff for the first time today at Albion's temporary new training ground at Christ's Hospital School in Horsham.

Booker reverts to his role as assistant and Martin Hinshelwood, a team-mate of Taylor at Crystal Palace back in the Seventies, goes back to his job as director of youth after their two wins in caretaker charge. Taylor is relishing the prospect of working with them and Albion hotshot Bobby Zamora.

"I hate shopping, so it was very important to get back," Taylor said. "I lost my job at Leicester after eight matches, so it wasn't a case of being at it for ten months and needing a rest.

"I can't wait to get on the training pitch, to see Bob Booker and Martin Hinshelwood, who I know very well anyway. I haven't seen Bobby play myself, but I have sent every scout I've had on my books here and everyone has come back and said what a great player he is.

"A lot of people a long time ago told me about him, starting with Keith Burkinshaw when he was working at Aberdeen, so I'm really looking forward to working with him.

"Hopefully I can help him, but from what I've heard about his ability he doesn't need a lot of help from me."

Taylor kicks-off his task at Withdean on Saturday, when the third-placed Seagulls face fourth-placed Oldham.

"It's a big game and I am looking forward to Saturday here," he said. "My second game in charge of Gillingham was at Withdean and there was a great atmosphere and great support.

"I know in their last home game in the League they suffered a defeat (Brentford), which is unusual. We will just make sure that doesn't happen again this Saturday."