Brighton & Hove Albion accept resignation of head coach Oscar Garcia

Brighton & Hove Albion have accepted the resignation of head coach Oscar Garcia after their loss in the Championship playoff semi-finals.

Garcia was appointed just under a year ago, initially signing a three-year contract on the South Coast.

He emulated last season's top-six finish under Gus Poyet but couldn't improve the Seagulls' playoff performance as they suffered a heavy 6-2 aggregate defeat to Derby County 12 months after losing to arch rivals Crystal Palace at the same stage.

Reports emerged last night that the former Barcelona player had offered his resignation and today Brighton confirmed that it had been accepted.

"I have enjoyed my time with the club but, although I do not have any immediate plans, I have decided to move on," the 41-year-old told the club website.

"I'm very proud of this season with Brighton. The Championship is a very difficult and competitive league but our record this season has been very good."

In an open letter to Seagulls supporters, Garcia added: "I have enjoyed my first experience of English football, and I would like to wish Brighton & Hove Albion and the fans of the club the very best for the future.

"The club will always have a place in my heart and I hope very soon they will be competing at the top level in English football."

Garcia joined Brighton after a year at his first managerial job with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he led the club to their first Israeli title in 10 years.

Current Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood is the early odds-on favourite to take over at the Amex.