Albion's away army of fans have been praised by boss Steve Coppell.

Almost 1,500 made the trip to Pride Park last Saturday for the 1-0 defeat by Derby.

"Most of the teams saying how good their supporters are are up at the top," commented Coppell.

"It's easy to sing when you're winning, but on Saturday it was amazing, almost non-stop chanting throughout the game, some really good humour mixed in there as well and terrific support.

"I know the players really appreciate it. It's just sad we can't get higher up the table to repay them that way but, rest assured, we are doing everything we can just to get ourselves out of the bottom three to give all those supporters an early Christmas present."

Derby manager and former Albion midfielder John Gregory, the subject of some of the chants, was less impressed.

His thoughts about Seagulls supporters are unprintable, although he did agree with Coppell about the fine form of Michel Kuipers.

"He is a talent," Gregory said. "He is a typical overseas goalkeeper. He doesn't try to catch many but he made some very good saves."

All the latest from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk