By Tim Hodges
Head of football operations David Burke and under-21 coach Simon Ireland have both left Brighton and Hove Albion as the club make sweeping changes to the backroom staff, seemingly bowing to fan pressure.
Burke leaves after three years after widespread recent criticism of his recruitment philosophy and the calibre of the players he brought in.
Ireland, who joined in July 2013, is expected to take up a similar position at Queen’s Park Rangers soon.
It has been a turbulent week for the Albion after Sami Hyypia’s resignation as manager on Monday afternoon (22 December).
Chairman Tony Bloom has had to cut short his winter break in Australia to oversee the hiring of Albion’s fifth manager in the past five years.
Nathan Jones will take charge as caretaker boss for the Boxing Day match against Reading at the Amex.