Not so long ago Albion fans used to sing a song about Steve Coppell contracting a rather unpleasant disease.

That terrace chant is now a dim and distant memory because Coppell is on a journey that could put him right up the list of all-time legendary Albion managers.

I know there's still a long way to go, 29 League games to be exact, but that's 87 points to play for. Supporters and some sections of the media are already tipping Albion to beat the drop. Who would have though that coming home from Selhurst Park?

In a matter of weeks, the Seagulls have gone from the capitulation at Palace to the relief of breaking that losing streak against Bradford and two performances of self-belief against Wolves and Derby. Kerry Mayo sums up the transformation, he looks a different player from earlier in the season.

Much is made of luck and refereeing decisions. But the bottom line is I watched two Albion games last week against quality opposition and my team got four points against sides that six weeks ago would have beaten them out of sight.

As good as Coppell is, it's not just about him. Everyone is playing a part. Bob Booker and John Keeley are still important cogs in the wheel andMartin Hinshelwood is worth his weight in gold.

Financially, it's a very tight ship which makes me worry about the contributions of Paul Kitson and Guy Butters.

Both are experienced campaigners who can play a big part in the Albion's great escape but a lot of money is being paid out to players sitting in the stand, money the club can ill afford.

On the subject of money, I would like to thank Dick Knight and Albion for their endorsement and support of the "40 Note Fund." Every penny collected will be ring- fenced and used to help pay the wages of a loan player.

The response has been very encouraging. Whatever is collected by January 1, along with the money raised from the Hove Greyhound Night in the New Year, will go to Coppell.

It again highlights the resilience of the Albion support. It's backs to the wall time, Brighton against the rest but, as always, everyone is in this together.

So, whatever you can give, please make your donations to the "40 Note Fund (More or Less)" at the Allied Irish Bank, Marlborough Place, Brighton. A/c no 15318022, sort code 23-85-89.

The name Harrison Reed won't mean anything to readers of this column. Premiership leaders Arsenal have spotted the Worthing Minors under-eights playmaker and signed him up to their academy for an initial two-year period.

I don't blame them. He single-handedly beat my junior team this season and has a raw, God-given talent. If anyone can nurture that natural ability, the Gunners can.

He also has level-headed and supportive parents. Having seen numerous examples of pushy and disruptive mums and dads in youth football, thankfully none at Worthing United under-eights, that can only benefit his long-term development on and off the field.

It's competition time again. EA Sports have sent me three copies of FIFA 2003 on Playstation One. If you want to win this excellent game, answer the following question.

Which club did Steve Coppell manage for the first time in 1984? Send your answer to Hart of the Matter, Argus House, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR. The closing date is Friday, November 29.