ALBION chief Dick Knight's nephew has been appointed to a top job in the club.

Kevin Keehan was made commercial manager of the Seagulls after being interviewed by six directors, including his uncle.

Mr Keehan took up the post, which was not externally advertised, last Wednesday.

He is responsible for boosting the club's funds and replaces general manager Nick Rowe who announced he was quitting in November.

Martin Perry, the club's chief executive, said Mr Keehan was appointed on his merits and not because of his relationship with Mr Knight.

He said: "We had a number of applications for the job when Nick Rowe left. We asked Kevin to put forward some proposals because of his experience and love of football, which we were very well aware of.

"We are totally happy we appointed him on merit."

He said Mr Keehan attended three interviews and met two of the club's directors, including his uncle, at each one.

Mr Perry added: "The selection process was a board decision and the chairman sits on the board. But if the board had voted against appointing Kevin he wouldn't have argued it."

Mr Keehan has worked in sales and marketing for 25 years and is an experienced player who also works as a coach for the Albion's Centre of Excellence in Worthing.

Mr Perry said this role would be kept separate from Mr Keehan's new position.

Liz Costa, vice chairman of the Albion Supporters' Club, backed the board's decision.

She said: "If he is capable of doing the job, it doesn't matter who he is related to."

But one fan said: "When we all heard the job was going we didn't realise it was going

to the chairman's nephew.

"When it was announced we thought it was a case of jobs for the boys."

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