Taylor, who made his name managing the England Under-21s, is rumoured to have quit due to disagreements over finance and concerns over a proposed stadium re-development.

He was appointed boss after the exit of Micky Adams last October, and his resignation means that the Seagulls have now lost two managers immediately after they led the club to promotion.

But club chairman Dick Knight has pledged not to let the loss of his manager stop him in his attempts to re-establish Brighton in the upper echelons of the English game.

‘‘We have lost good managers in the past and grown stronger for it,’’ he said.

The club are hoping to get the go-ahead from the local council to build a new community stadium at Falmer.

Knight also expressed his regret at Taylor’s unexpected decision just days after the club enjoyed an open-topped bus ride through the city to celebrate their title success.

He said: ‘‘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.’’