By Tim Hodges
Brighton and Hove Albion have announced that Gus Poyet has been dismissed as first team manager.
Poyet has been suspended by the club since early May. The Uruguayan was the Seagulls manager for nearly four years, taking over the reins from Russell Slade in 2009.
Albion may now appoint an interim manager as the first team squad is due to report back for pre-season training tomorrow morning (Monday 24 June).
The specific reason for Poyet’s dismissal has yet to be confirmed. He said that he intends to appeal.
The club issued a statement saying: “Gus Poyet has been informed today by Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club’s internal disciplinary panel that his employment has been terminated with immediate effect.
“This followed his suspension, an investigation, and a subsequent formal disciplinary process.
“In line with the club’s own procedures, and UK employment law, Mr Poyet now has a right of appeal.
“As such, the club will make no further comment on this matter or recent LMA statements at this time.
“Given the close proximity of the new season, the club will, in conjunction with its board, now seek to appoint an interim manager pending the outcome of a possible appeal.
“The interim manager will oversee the initial weeks of pre-season preparation alongside the club’s existing staff.
“The club’s first-team players report back as planned for pre-season testing tomorrow, Monday 24th June, with the squad’s first technical sessions commencing on Thursday 27th June.
“The team play Whitehawk on Saturday 6th July and leave for their summer training camp in Spain on 14th July.”
