FORMER Albion defender Gary Hobson has told good friend Graham Potter he is in a "really privileged position" to be given a Premier League chance.

Hobson has backed his former team-mate to improve the Seagulls, providing he gets time to change the playing style.

Ex-Swansea chief Potter has been appointed head coach by Albion on a four-year contract and Hobson has spoken to him about the challenge he faces at the Amex succeeding Chris Hughton.

They were team-mates at York City, took the same Open University degree course and have remained in contact via Hobson's post-playing career as an organiser of training camps.

Hobson said: "I told him it's an amazing place to start your Premier League journey.

"I said to him you are in a really privileged position, because I don't know of any other Premier League team that has basically hired an English Championship manager.

"I can't think of many. The only way you get in the Premier League now is by getting promoted with them, otherwise they are hiring foreign.

"It shows their faith in him. Somebody's done the background and I'm guessing it's Tony (Bloom). I think it's Tony's appointment.

"He has looked at not only Swansea but before that. I worked with him at Ostersund and saw what he did there. It was incredible.

"We did about three or four training camps together and it was good to see his work, his whole approach."

Potter will introduce a passing-from-the-back and more expansive style in an attempt to move Albion on after Hughton kept them up twice.

Hobson said: "He's a good lad. I said to him it's not a Swansea, you would have been given time, building and improving players.

"I said you know that coming to the Premier League it's the big boys league, you've got to get off to a good start.

"I'm a big fan of Chris's. He is a great guy and he did a brilliant job, so you are following someone that's not failed.

"Normally you are coming in for someone who has been a failure. Chris hasn't, he's only succeeded really.

"I am on a few fanzines and Brighton things and I could see a percentage of the crowd maybe didn't quite like the way we played and maybe he (Hughton) has paid the price for that.

"He (Potter) has got to put his imprint on the team quickly and if the fans give him some time to put that then they'll get success.

"Like every manager, time is precious, and in the Premier League you don't get a lot. Hopefully Graham will get that, because they will improve."