Barry Lloyd welcomes one of his old mates into football management tonight saying: "I'm absolutely delighted for him."

New Seagulls boss Martin Hinshelwood takes his squad to Woodside Road tonight to tackle Lloyd's Worthing side in the opening pre-season friendly (7.30pm).

Hinshelwood was Lloyd's assistant when they guided Albion to the Wembley play-off final in the old Second Division in 1991.

It is the first time Lloyd has come up against Albion since leaving the club in 1993 and he could not have a more fitting opponent.

He said: "I am looking forward to it. I spoke to Martin six weeks ago and I knew he was very keen on the post. He will be pleased. He has a lot of experience, has been in the game for a long time and has got the opportunity he wanted.

"We will enjoy the game. This is always a nice fixture and a good run out for everybody."

Lloyd might even see a few of his old methods being employed in the First Division in the next few months. He said: "I don't know if I taught him anything in particular but he will learn from various people he has worked with."

The Worthing boss might have a few new faces on show tonight but has not decided whether to field former Seagulls striker Simon Funnell, who is banned for the first six weeks of the season.

Albion continue their build-up at Paul Rogers' former club Sutton on Thursday (7.30pm).