Taylor quits Brighton

Peter Taylor has left Brighton

Peter Taylor has walked out on Brighton - claiming he was forced into the decision by the club's uncertain future.

Taylor's agent insists he has not resigned from Brighton to join another club.

He quit the south coast club just three weeks after guiding Brighton into the First Division, and revealed doubts over a new ground played a key role in his departure.

Taylor said: "It was the lack of the future being clear because of the new stadium.

"I'm very frustrated to be going because Brighton with a new stadium would be one of the best jobs in the world, and it would be nice to see all our supporters in the stadium.

I can categorically confirm at this point Peter has no other offers

Taylor's agent, Andy Mills

"But everyone keeps telling me it is three years away again."

Despite speculation linking the former England Under-21 manager with Crystal Palace and Wimbledon, agent Andy Mills said Taylor had no other job lined up.

And that includes a supposed offer from England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson of a scouting role for Taylor during the World Cup.

Mills said: "I know he's been linked with several jobs, at Wimbledon, Crystal Palace and Watford, and again with the national set-up, but he has not had any definite offers from any club.

"This decision wasn't based around his future at another club, it was based around his future at Brighton.

"I can categorically confirm at this point he has no other offers. He has not accepted or discussed his position with anyone other than Dick Knight (Brighton chairman).

"He decided he couldn't compete with the budget. It was a brave decision because he doesn't have a job, but it's a fair decision in the light of his budget."

Taylor joined Brighton after being sacked by Leicester City and helped Albion to their second successive promotion as Division Two champions.

Peter has done a terrific job for the club and it's sad that he doesn't wish to continue

Brighton chairman Dick Knight

He did not sign a contract at Brighton after taking over from Micky Adams, and speculation had been mounting that he could be set to move on.

Brighton chairman Dick Knight had been hoping Taylor would put pen to paper on a three-year deal after his success, but was unable to assure supporters his future lay at the club.

However, Knight remained upbeat despite Taylor's departure and said: "We have lost good managers in the past and grown stronger for it.

"This club will continue to go forward and has a packed agenda for the summer with preparation for Division One, Falmer, expansion at Withdean and now the search for a new manager - all challenges we're ready for.

"It's a great shame that Peter has chosen to resign. He has done a terrific job for the club in leading the Albion to the Second Division title, and it's sad that he doesn't wish to continue."

Taylor's resignation came as a surprise to Brighton current players, including skipper Paul Rogers.

Rogers said: "It's a big shock to me and I'm sure it will be a big shock to the other lads as well."