Albion boss Steve Coppell has suffered for years from an irregular heartbeat.

Coppell, speaking in this Saturday's Sports Argus, says: "There is certainly something not normal in my heartbeat.

"I have a slight irregularity but it's the kind of thing I've been told doesn't affect me.

"I did a stress test when I was about 22 for Manchester University and they told me about it then.

"It's an extra strong beat every so often, which they say is not an issue."

Coppell's revelation coincides with growing concerns about stress levels faced by managers in the modern game.

West Ham's Glenn Roeder recently suffered a stroke after a match vital to his side's Premiership survival.

Liverpool's Gerard Houllier, Blackburn's Graeme Souness, Barry Fry of Peterborough and Luton chief Joe Kinnear have all been victims of heart problems during their managerial careers.

Coppell has also broken a seven-year silence over his 33-day reign at Manchester City.

"Basically it was too far away from the people I cared for," explained the former Manchester United and England winger. "I wanted to be close to the people I cared for.

"My way to deal with it was to leave, because I thought this just ain't worth it.

"Leaving isn't failing, it's just saying before I make a mess and damage things here I may as well get out and start somewhere else."

Albion are keeping their fingers crossed Ivar Ingimarsson comes through Iceland's friendly in Finland this afternoon.

He is scheduled to make his final appearance for the Seagulls on loan from Wolves in Sunday's do-or-die game at Grimsby.

Tony Pulis, manager of relegation rivals Stoke, was upset to lose key Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson ahead of their home match against Reading but Coppell is relaxed about Ingimarsson's international involvement.

"I think it's good for them," he said. "If players get picked for their country I don't think we have any right to pick and choose when they can play."

In the First Division last night, Sheffield United beat Bradford City 3-0 with goals from Michael Brown (two) and Peter Ndlovu.