Albion are closing in on the capture of Paul Trollope as assistant manager.

The former Cardiff and Bristol Rovers boss is poised to join forces again with Chris Hughton for the third time.

The Seagulls have other candidates for the post unexpectedly vacated by Colin Calderwood but they hope to have Trollope installed before the visit on Saturday of Fulham, one of his old clubs.

Trollope, promoted to the Premier League with Fulham during his playing career, worked with Hughton at Birmingham and Norwich. The appointment of the 44-year-old ensures continuity following Calderwood’s move to Aston Villa, who held Albion to a 1-1 draw at the Amex on Friday evening.

The Seagulls eventually agreed compensation with Villa for Calderwood. He had been placed on gardening leave after resigning in order to serve out his notice period while his new employers initially quibbled over the cost of his release.

Albion captain Bruno told The Argus: “It’s a big loss for us because of his character and how he is as a man. He knows the league as well.

“It’s tough but that’s football. Every season we lose players, we lose staff and always we keep moving forward. That’s the most important thing. We have to think just about ourselves now.

“It was a really big surprise for everyone but that’s life. Everyone has their reasons to move. Best wishes to him.”

Calderwood’s first match alongside Steve Bruce is on Saturday at Villa Park against Cardiff.