Brighton shock as Taylor walks out

Peter Taylor has quit as manager of Brighton despite leading the club into the First Division.

Taylor, who did not sign a contract with the Seagulls after taking over from Micky Adams last October, joined the club after being sacked by Premiership strugglers Leicester.

Brighton lost only six of the 40 games played under Taylor en route to the Second Division championship.

The former Gillingham boss made his repu t ation during a successful spell in charge of the England Under-21 team and led the full national side last October for their friendly with Italy in Rome.

Brighton captain Paul Rogers was shocked by Taylor's decision to quit the Withdean Stadium.

He said: "It's a big shock to me, and I'm sure to the other lads."

There was immediate speculation that Taylor might rejoin the England set-up or be a target for Wimbledon, who sacked Terry Burton last week.

Meanwhile, former Scotland coach Craig Brown has been confirmed today as the new manager of Preston North End.

Brown named new Preston manager