Steve Coppell is understood to be Brighton & Hove Albion’s top target to replace Russell Slade, who was dismissed as manager of the Coca-Cola League One club yesterday.

Coppell, who stepped down as Reading manager in May, would be a popular choice among supporters. He was appointed Brighton manager in October 2002 and narrowly failed to steer them clear of relegation from the equivalent of the Championship. He left to join Reading in October 2003, eventually leading them to the Premier League for the first time.

However, while at the Madejski Stadium, Coppell continued to support Brighton’s long-running campaign for a new stadium in Falmer, having said that he would not have left if the plans had been approved. The stadium is now taking shape within sight of the club’s training ground and is due to open in August 2011.

Dennis Wise has also been linked with the job in the past, but Tony Bloom, the Brighton chairman, played down any interest in a recent interview.

Slade led Brighton to safety last season after replacing Micky Adams, but only goal difference is keeping the team out of the bottom four. Martin Hinshelwood, the director of football, will act as caretaker manager.