October 7 2002

Steve Coppell

Former manager Steve Coppell has done the unthinkable and signed a one year contract with Brighton to become their first-team manager.

Martin Hinshelwood steps aside at the club, after failing to get their season started, losing 10 out of 12 of their league games.

Brighton Chairman Dick Knight said, "Nobody set Martin any deadlines, but the poor run of results has had a destabilising effect even on key players which needs rectifying quickly if we are to stand a chance of survival in Division One.

"We have 34 league games left to play which means we need something like 1.5 points per game to survive, therefore the board felt we had to act before the situation becomes irretrievable.

"We are sorry that it has not worked out for Martin. Much has been made of the playing budget available to him, but the fact is that in this new era of financial reality in football, the increased playing budget we allocated this season to the playing side is not the smallest in Division One.

"While Martin has shown great faith in our existing first-team and youth players, he has been encouraged to bring in new players, especially with the loan system offering more flexibility to access talent.

"Steve Coppell will bring a level of experience we feel is vital at this time. I have made him fully aware that no increase in the playing budget will suddenly be made available, but he understands the club's position as I interviewed him for the job in the summer and he is now eager to get started.

"Steve and the board were also unanimous that I should ask Bob Booker to remain as assistant manager."

This shock news will mean that the Brighton game at the end of October will be even more of a momentus occasion for Palace fans, with the return of Coppell to Selhurst Park.