A tough act for Bob to build on

Adams' departure to Leicester as Dave Bassett's assistant is a personal blow to the man he appointed as his own No.2 a year ago, Bob Booker.

Booker, in charge of the team at Huddersfield today in tandem with director of youth Martin Hinshelwood, has been in football long enough to know he now faces an uncertain future.

"Micky will be a hard act to follow after the success he's had," Booker said. "It came out of the blue, but you cannot fault him.

"He has got to have a go. Working in the Premiership is something he has always wanted to do and good luck to him. He deserves it. It's sad for everybody, but I think everybody also wishes him all the best.

"I can't really believe that it has happened. It has taken time to sink in. But I am sure he will go there, become even better and go on to even bigger things."

Booker's contribution to Albion's success over the last 12 months should not be under-

estimated.

The former Brentford and Sheffield United stalwart has already had one difficult act to follow, stepping into the shoes of Alan Cork when he left for Cardiff.

It has proved to be a seamless transition. Booker soon struck up a rapport with the players and his crazy sense of humour has made him popular both with them and the rest of the staff.

Adams brought him in after seven years on the coaching staff at Brentford, primarily with the youth team.

He is Adams' man, which inevitably makes him vulnerable if, as expected, Albion make an external appointment.

"It's a big blow," Booker admitted. "I have been here a year now and it has been a whirlwind year, coming down and having the success we've had off the back of the manager.

"This has come as a major shock and I am really going to miss him. I came down to learn a trade and I have done that under the best person possible with what he has achieved.

"Micky is infectious to work for. You have every respect for him. You know he's the boss and you have to work hard for him.

"He has looked after me and I would like to think I have done a decent job for him. He is the type of person you want to get out of bed in the morning and go and work for."

Chairman Dick Knight revealed to our sister paper The Argus on Thursday that the key criteria for the next manager are experience, some previous success and a willingness to work with the existing squad. Booker qualifies with flying colours on the last two counts, but today was his first taste of being No.1 and that lack of experience would appear to rule him out.

He is also, through know fault of his own, a victim of past experience. Adams' predecessor, Jeff Wood, was promoted from assistant to the top job by the Board, but that didn't work out.

Of course, it's not just Booker and the coaching staff who are affected by Adams' exit but the players as well.

With the exception of Kerry Mayo and Gary Hart, it is Adams' squad. Knight's conditions suggest no more money will be available for the next man in charge and the squad will be more or less retained in its entirity to carry on the good work they have done so far for the rest of the season.

What it does mean, though, for the likes of the transfer-listed Andy Crosby on the fringes under Adams, is a new opportunity.

Mayo, Albion's longest serving player, said: "Different managers like different styles of players, so the ones who aren't in the team at the moment could have a better chance. I am going to have to keep battling and give 100 per cent to retain my place."

It is always a difficult period when a manager leaves, but Mayo believes the tremendous team spirit developed by Adams will see the Seagulls through.

"The spirit is magnificent," he said. "Nobody moans, even if they are not in the squad or the team. They wish all of those who go out on the pitch all the best.There is no friction and it is generally a great squad to be in with a brilliant atmosphere. In the past there have been little groups. The bonding has not been there as it is now.

"Obviously someone new is going to come in and take over the mantle. The players have got to do their very best for whoever it is and make it as easy as possible for them.

"From a personal point of view it's always nice to think there were 20 odd pros when the gaffer turned up and only two of those are left now, me and Harty. It was good to be involved in one of his teams."

Adams has urged his successor to keep faith with his backroom team. He said: "I had a group of staff that are dedicated to the task, care passionately about the club and want to work hard, which is exactly what a manager needs. I would sincerely hope they are given the chance to carry on. Too many changes too soon I feel could have a disruptive influence.

"Bob (Booker) is loyal, trustworthy and a good coach. I am sad to be leaving him and the rest behind. I'm sad because when a manager leaves, their futures are uncertain. That's a shame, because they are good people."