PAUL TROLLOPE will take an uncomfortable return to Cardiff for his away debut as Albion’s No.2 in his stride, according to his managerial mentor.

Trollope sacked by Cardiff as manager last month, goes back to the Welsh capital with the Seagulls on Saturday.

Lennie Lawrence, who guided Trollope in his first managerial job at Bristol Rovers, says he has no reason to be ashamed of his 12-game reign with Albion’s opponents.

Brighton-born Lawrence told The Argus: “Paul spent a very productive first 15 months at Cardiff (as head coach) under Russell Slade, which went very well really. They finished eighth last season and his reputation grew to such an extent that he was made the national coach of Wales as well.

“He had to give that up when he took the manager’s position at Cardiff, which is sad really. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that well at Cardiff.

“Three months is a very short period of time but that’s the name of the game these days. He’s just got to go there, get his head down and get on with it.

“He’s got nothing to say. He did his best, end of story. That’s it. He’ll deal with that I’m sure.”

Trollope made a winning start back alongside boss Chris Hughton with Albion at the Amex last Saturday against Fulham, one of the clubs he played for.

They worked together at Birmingham and Norwich and have been re-united after Colin Calderwood controversially quit the Seagulls for Aston Villa.

Hughton said: “Apart from being a very good fella, Paul is a very good coach, so I was delighted to be able to bring him in so quickly after what happened.

“I knew, irrespective of results, that the transition would be very easy.”

The threat from Cardiff will be led by former Southampton, Liverpool and England striker Rickie Lambert, who spearheaded a successful period for Bristol Rovers under Trollope and Lawrence.