Albion have been handed a lifeline and Steve Coppell must be delighted deep down.

Coppell is known as one of the less animated managers in the game but after a disastrous start Steve must be thrilled because his side now have a real chance of staying up.

After successive defeats against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace in his first two matches in charge it was a case of new manager, same results, following his appointment at the expense of Martin Hinshelwood last month.

However Albion are now unbeaten in three games and look to have turned the corner after 12 straight League defeats.

It really would be a magnificent achievement for Coppell if he was to keep the Seagulls in Division One.

They certainly have a fighting chance to crawl away from the bottom if they continue their unbeaten run.

The good news is Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford all look in a parlous position.

Brighton can overhaul all of these clubs if the players get their battered confidence back to their normal levels and if key players like Bobby Zamora manage to stay fit.

Kerry Mayo was the hero against Derby and Coppell's treatment of him offers an interesting insight into his ability to get the best out of limited resources.

Mayo came in for some flack earlier this term when he struggled to adjust to the pace of Division One football.

His lack of pace and burly build meant opposition wingers like Norwich's Mark Rivers tormented him on numerous occasions in his conventional left back berth.

Coppell has responded by pushing Mayo upfield into a left wing back position where he is less exposed.

The move certainly paid dividends against Derby with his last-gasp strike, even though he was playing at centre back at the time.

It's the City Ground on Wednesday for Steve and the boys and Forest is going to be another hard game. They have some excellent youngsters and are play-off contenders. I'm sure all concerned would be happy to come away with a point.

Finally, despite my harsh words about Graham Barrett's international call-up last week I hope the Arsenal forward decides to continue his footballing education at the Withdean.

If I was him I would rather stay at Albion than return to Highbury where he would be dumped in the reserves.

I went out on loan on numerous occasions as a player and it helped my career.

Barrett is scheduled to return to Arsenal at the end of the month when his three-month loan deal runs out.

However I hope Albion persuade Barrett and Arsenal to let him stay.

It would surely be better for the striker in the short-term and he might end up staying at the end of the season if Albion perform their own 'Great Escape.'

Saturday November 23