Seagulls supremo Steve Coppell has introduced double training sessions in a bid to get the best out of the Albion players.

The players had a rare opportunity to train at Withdean on Monday either side of a pre-arranged merchandising signing session.

"That was a one-off," Coppell said. "I am quite happy with the training ground as long as the surfaces are good.

"We had already planned to do two sessions at certain times during the week and certain periods during the year."

Coppell has used double training sessions at other clubs and believes the players will benefit from the new regime.

He said: "With all due respect to anybody, the only way you improve is by doing something. I look at footballers sometimes and if you are not at the top level the only way you can improve is by working on your skills "The only way you can do that is on the training field, not watching telly or playing snooker or golf.

"I work not massive hours but different hours from other people. It's my own personal thing. When I played myself I always did extra in the afternoons whenever I could. It just seems a logical thing.

"You have got to be careful because of numbers and you don't want to physically kill people who are going to be playing in all the games.

"If you can get the balance right at least the players feel they are giving it their best shot and getting consistent rather than sporadic coaching.

"Inevitably I am going to do things a bit differently to what has gone before. That is no criticism of that, but it's just the way things happen in football. If they can appreciate what I am trying to do then great."

Coppell will have history on his side when Albion kick-off his reign against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The last seven managers of the Seagulls all won their first match in charge.

Martin Hinshelwood launched his brief stint with a 3-1 victory at Burnley on the opening day of the season.

A year ago Peter Taylor started with a 3-0 romp over Oldham at Withdean, while Micky Adams' men were 1-0 winners against Shrewsbury when they were groundsharing with Gillingham.

Priestfield Stadium was also the scene of a 3-2 victory against Chester for Brian Horton's Albion and a 1-0 success for Jeff Wood against Scarborough.

Jimmy Case opened with a 4-1 trouncing of non-League Canvey Island in an FA Cup replay at the Goldstone and Hull were hammered 3-0 by Steve Gritt's Seagulls.

The last Albion manager failing to win his first game was Liam Brady. Frank Stapleton steered Bradford City to a 1-0 triumph at the Goldstone in December 1993.

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