Albion boss Steve Coppell has put new contract talks on the backburner to focus minds on the fight for First Division survival.

The Seagulls see Coppell as "very much part of our future", but he doesn't want the contract issue to distract attention from the final 11 games of the relegation battle.

Coppell signed a one-year deal when he succeeded Martin Hinshelwood in October.

Last month we urged chairman Dick Knight to offer Coppell a longer contract with immediate effect and he then raised the subject with the manager.

Coppell said: "I am not hedging bets, I am just making sure everyone concentrates on the job in hand. It's not a cop-out. There are no devious motives involved.

"I've found it to be a really positive experience working with the players and people around this club."

With the public inquiry into the new stadium at Falmer now well under way, Albion have made it clear they want Coppell well beyond his current contract.

A letter to season ticket holders states: "Steve knows that, provided the stadium gets the green light, this club has huge potential.

"The Board believes that potential will be enhanced with him as manager. The chairman has made it clear to Steve that we see him very much part of our future.

"However, he is not a man to be pushed into things and negotiations will continue at the appropriate time with the express aim of securing Steve's services for the long term."

Meanwhile, 2,000 extra seats at Withdean may not now be ready for the start of next season due to difficulties with an additional park and ride site in Carden Avenue.

Albion have no fresh injury problems for tomorrow's visit by mid-table Rotherham.

Their manager Ronnie Moore was in the Tranmere team when Coppell launched his playing career with Rovers. "Ronnie is from a notoriously hard area of Liverpool and his team reflects his personality," Coppell said.

"They are uncompromising. Last year they survived on goal difference and had a reputation for route one football. They are still fairly direct but have other aspects to their play now as well."

A third home win in a row could ease Albion back out of the drop zone. Stoke, their conquerors on Wednesday, are at Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday go to Leicester and Grimsby visit Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Math preview at thisisthealbion.co.uk