Brighton will not rush to replace departing technical director Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth has resigned and is expected to take a similar role at Newcastle United after serving what could be a substantial period of gardening leave.
Albion's stance will be to protect their own interests rather than to help a rival club who are taking one of their top operators.
Ashworth could conceivably even remain on gardening leave under the terms of his contract when his successor is in place.
Albion see Ashworth, 50, as a key member of their off-field team over the last three years - but not irreplaceable.
A well-placed source told The Argus: “The key message will be Brighton are not in the business of helping rivals and will be as tough as they feel they should be."
In the club statement, Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: “We are extremely disappointed that Dan will no longer be our technical director.
“He leaves a significant legacy in place and, for that, we are greatly appreciative.
“Dan has done an outstanding job and helped build on the progress the club had already made across all of our technical areas."
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