Mark McGhee says his number one priority now is ensuring Albion are playing in the Championship when they move into their new stadium.
He said, "Now challenge for me is to keep the team at this level - so we arrive in the new stadium in the Championship. We can then mount a challenge to move on from there and start challenging at the top end of the Championship."
Chairman Dick Knight and chief executive Martin Perry visited the training ground and broke the news to the players during preparations for tomorrow's match with Ipswich - and McGhee added, The mood has been very good today in light of this news.
"There have been a few jokes. People like Guy Butters - and those towards the end of the career - are the butt of jokes about getting jobs selling burgers in the new stadium!
"But for people like Jake Robinson, Leon, Seb and all the young players they now have the chance to be part of a squad that takes us into the new stadium."
McGhee revealed his own excitement at the news, saying, "I feel differently. You don't feel the same if you win the lottery or have a baby - they're life-changing events - and that's how I feel. The news that there is going to be a stadium for the football club and for the city of Brighton & Hove is unbelievable.
"I don't think people - even the supporters of the club - fully appreciate just what an impact this is going to have on the city once the stadium is built.
"It's something that excites me. Obviously I want to be the new manager who takes us into that new stadium - I've made that clear - and I feel really excited about the whole prospect."
