Graham Potter is confident Brighton will be able to cope with the departure of Newcastle United-linked Dan Ashworth.
The former FA technical director has been placed on gardening leave by the Seagulls, with an agreement on a compensation package reportedly yet to be struck by the Magpies.
Former Everton and Rangers defender David Weir has been promoted to acting technical director in Ashworth's absence, with the 50-year-old's notice period potentially running through to the summer.
Ashworth is tipped to become Newcastle's first director of football since the 2013/14 season, and Potter admits it was a 'really tough decision' for his former colleague.
The Brighton boss told SussexLive: "I had lots of calls and conversations with Dan, I understood his position, it was a really tough decision for him.
"He has got his family and his reasons, you have to respect that Dan is his own man, he’s an intelligent man, he understands how good it is here, but at the same time, he’s got another opportunity.
"You have to respect that, that’s how it is, then you’ve got to trust that he will make the decision for him and then it’s up to the club to sort the rest of it out. I respect Dan, what he has done for us, the decision he has made, and wish him well.
"But I know this football club doesn’t rely on one person, it’s a real collective strength we have and that’s what will take us through.
"I am looking forward to working with David Weir, who will make the step up as technical director and we will go from there."
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