ALBION have appointed captain Ian Culverhouse as reserve team coach.

They have also extended the former Norwich and Swindon sweeper's contract by a year through to June 2000.

New boss Jeff Wood, director of youth Martin Hinshelwood, chief scout Ken Craggs and youth team coach Dean Wilkins have been muddling through since the departure of Brian Horton as manager last month.

Chairman Dick Knights said: "Jeff obviously needs some more help with running the reserve side.

"Ian has impressed me greatly with not only his experience but his attitude. He has been a real leader in the dressing room as well as on the field and we are giving him a chance to bring that know-how to bear on the coaching side."

Wood said: "Ian has shown on the field that he is a player of immense ability. In his new coaching role he will now have the opportunity to pass his knowledge on to the younger players at the club."

Culverhouse's appointment completes an amazing turn-around since Horton signed him on a month-to-month contract at the start of the season.

Horton reluctantly released the 34-year-old in October, then brought him back within a matter of days as skipper with a contract for the rest of the season.

Culverhouse, a veteran of 500 appearances, said: "The future of Brighton is looking very exciting and it's great to be considered a part of the plans."

Culverhouse takes charge of the reserve team for the first time against Charlton at Worthing next Wednesday. Hinshelwood and Craggs will continue to assist Wood on first team match days.

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