The race to become Albion's next boss rests between four top contenders.

Chairman Dick Knight revealed to the Argus last night that he has narrowed the field down from around 50 applicants.

He indicated that caretaker Bob Booker is not on the shortlist at the moment. But he has given the assistant manager and the rest of the coaching staff a boost by declaring their positions are safe.

Knight has been surprised by the level of interest in the job. It only became vacant on Wednesday, when Micky Adams quit to become Dave Bassett's No. 2 at Leicester.

"I've had around 50 serious applicants, which is quite astonishing," said Knight. "I think I have narrowed it down to four that I am interested in and I will be taking things forward over the next few days."

Knight refused to say whether Peter Taylor is among the quartet. The Argus exclusively revealed on Thursday that former Leicester boss Taylor is the frontrunner.

Albion would ideally like to rubber-stamp an appointment by next Saturday's home game against Oldham, but Knight said: "I am not going to put a time on it, because I am fully expecting other people to come forward over the weekend."

Knight visited the Seagulls' temporary training base at Christ's Hospital School in Horsham on Thursday to speak to the players and coaching staff.

"One of the biggest legacies Micky has left is the bond among them all," said Knight. "I am not about to dismantle that. Whoever I appoint I won't allow them to bring a whole new team in. If it isn't broken don't fix it.

"Who knows, Bob Booker may become a contender as well. These guys' jobs are safe, I am not going to turn everything upside down."

Booker, helped by director of youth Martin Hinshelwood, is set to remain in charge for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy tie at Swansea after today's trip to Huddersfield.

Meanwhile, Knight has put a price of more than £2 million on striker Bobby Zamora. Albion rejected written bids last season of £1.2 million from Cardiff and £1.5 million from Wigan.

"We had indications from two clubs that they would be prepared to go to £2 million, but they didn't put it in writing," Knight revealed. "I made it clear I did not want to sell him at that price."

Adams' move has prompted fears that Zamora could follow him to Leicester.

To have your say on who should be the next manager visit thisisthealbion.co.uk