Gary takes over

“Two sessions, two weeks, two months - it doesn’t all go together in a set few weeks but my aim for the immediate future is to try and build a relationship with the players and understand their capabilities. I want to find a way of playing football that is fitted around their capabilities. The one thing I will say about them is that they’ve been excellent for me in training and as people - their respect has been excellent. The effort out on the park on Friday was excellent and I cannot fault that.”

Cronin planned without Gary McCabe on Friday and the boss confirmed that the ex-captain had cut ties with Bray. So with relegation to the First Division a distinct possibility for the Seagulls, did Cronin take on the role with a view to a rebuilding project in 2019 in the second tier?

“It was discussed with me. What went on before wasn’t anything to do with me but it was a mutual decision between Gary and the club and that’s all I have to say on that.

“I’ve had that thrown at me a couple of times but where we are next year is where we are. It’s that’s in the First Division then so be it but I’ll try as best as I can to keep it in the Premier. People have said to me am I preparing for next season - that’s part of it - but now I’m preparing for each game as it comes.”