there's ways for him to help shape things before he starts still.... a player shopping list left on a bar table.... etc..
Its just Brighton trying to take the piss..... I'm quite happy we're making the arseholes lose out on the cash. They've obviously placed an unrealistic price on a non manager/non player/non coach which could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
End of the day they've appointed Howe without a DOF. They now need to place their faith in him during his tenure to decide what formation and style he wants to play and what players will best fit his system in the first team. I'm going to guess the summer shopping list is going to include a new keeper, a new left back, a new centre back, a new central midfielder, a backup for ASM and a new starting striker. A new DOF wanting to implement a new philosophy and a new playing style assuming that's what he will do, won't be fully efficient until he either (A) Appoints his own manager or (B) Gets fully behind Howe's philosophy. I would imagine they will speak with Ashworth with regards to plans regarding a new training ground and academy and how best to implement improvements into the women's team. Any half decent club will already know who their targets are in the main for the summer by now. With only very last minute deals coming as a surprise - by these I mean players that have decided they've had enough of their clubs/ not getting new contracts or new managers kicking them into touch.
So is the situation that Brighton continue to pay him until his notice is up? That will obviously stop him from being any use...