Colin Calderwood has quit as Brighton assistant manager, paving the way for him to become Steve Bruce’s No 2 at Aston Villa.
The two Championship sides meet on Friday night on the South Coast but Calderwood will not be at the match, having been put on gardening leave.
The 51-year-old Scot has worked with Brighton boss Chris Hughton at four clubs but is now expected to link up at Villa with coach Stephen Clemence, who he played alongside at Tottenham.
A statement from Brighton read: ‘Brighton & Hove Albion can confirm that assistant manager Colin Calderwood has resigned from the club to take up a new position elsewhere.