Steve Coppell has branded the Albion job the biggest challenge of his managerial career.

Saturday's crushing 5-0 derby defeat at his old club Crystal Palace, combined with a 1-1 draw for Wimbledon at Sheffield United, means the crestfallen Seagulls are ten points adrift of safety at the foot of the First Division.

Their 12th straight loss in the League equals the club record, but Coppell insists he is up for the task of trying to turn the Seagulls around.

"Tomorrow is another day," Coppell said. "I have got to look forward and I do look forward to it. This is certainly the biggest challenge I think I have faced, given the position the club are in.

"I just want to give it my all whatever happens and however long I am here. I want to have the satisfaction in my own mind of knowing I've given my best and been a help.

"Every manager will tell you he wants the club he works for to be in a better position when he leaves than when he got there. That is the challenge that confronts me and I'm up for it, I relish it."

Albion have conceded nine goals in two games, including four penalties, since Coppell took over from Martin Hinshelwood.

"It's a really strange one," he said. "When I came in the conceit of every manager makes you believe you can make a difference.

"I still believe I can make a difference, but I must admit on the back of two results like that and certainly the one on Saturday it's a continuation of bizarre goals and circumstances.

"It just takes some getting hold of at the moment, getting my mind around what is happening, why it is happening and what I can do about it.

"I feel a little bit punchy at the moment, on the ropes, but in the cold light of day I hope I can come to some conclusions and help, because the players are desperate for help.

"They are looking at me and wanting me to give solutions, but there is no miracle cure."

Palace manager Trevor Francis, a former England team-mate of Coppell, said: "Nothing is impossible. Steve has come in at a time when the financial position, as with most clubs, doesn't allow him to be active in the transfer market.

"Whoever plays Brighton are always going to be aware are they the team when they finally get a victory?"

Paul Brooker, sent-off for conceding the second half penalty from which Andrew Johnson completed a hat-trick, will now be suspended for Albion's trip to Wolves in a fortnight.

More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk