So Peter Taylor has been confirmed as the new gaffer - with a very impressive CV to earn instant respect.

Promotion with Gillingham, a good FA Cup run and top of the Premiership with Leicester as well as taking charge of the England national side.

However, all that cuts no ice with the players committee at Brighton. If you're late for training then it's a fine, whoever you are, so when the new gaffer turned up late on Thursday morning the punishment was immediate.

The gaffer only stayed to watch training for about 20 minutes. I think he'd seen enough already! A year ago he had been coaching Becks and Owen and now he was watching the likes of Oatway and Cullip (the Mitchell brothers) kicking lumps out of everybody.

The younger lads were very quick to remind the "elder statesmen" in the squad that the gaffer bombed all the experienced players out of the England squad when he was in charge. So if any team would like to find a home for two old, over the hill, wrinkly footballers then Dodge and Dirk will be very grateful.

Seriously, the lads are all looking forward to working with such a renowned coach and hopefully we can all continue the good work of the last 15 months.

The new gaffer certainly has a hard act to follow. Not Micky, but Bob "this management lark is a piece of cake" Booker. Played two, won two and rotated his squad to keep everyone happy - a great record to hang his hat on.

Bob and Hinch did a great job as caretaker managers. They kept it simple, the training was sharp (and short!) and they made sure the lads kept smiling. Hinch is one of the old school who tells it black and white. "If you don't score you can't win, and if you don't concede you can't lose" was one of his gems.

Bob picked the team and decided the tactics for the great win at Huddersfield. There was a real feeling of togetherness before the game. We all wanted to show that Brighton was not a club in crisis. I think we showed the world of football there is life after Micky. The chairman was so delighted after the game that he nearly bought the lads a drink.

Bobby Z set us on our way with a cracker. Is there any chance of him scoring at Withdean? We had chances to score more goals but it was one of those days when Steeley couldn't hit a cow's backside with a banjo. The little Scouser was distraught afterwards but don't think we gave him any sympathy. On the journey home Dodge asked him "Steeley, do you want a biscuit - I'll help you finish it!"

Bob Booker had identified their speedy right winger as our main danger and asked Bozzie to double up with Kerry to nullify his pace. Midway through the first-half Bozzie sprinted 40 yards to beat the winger in a race and shouted "I thought you were supposed to be quick" as he took the ball off his toe. If only I had pace.

The fans also added to the occasion with a wonderful show of support. It was great to see (and hear) so many of you up there sitting alongside the magnificent new flag. Many thanks for your support.

There was a quote in Monday's papers that caused quite a stir in the dressing room. In a show of self-modesty Brentford's Paul Evans has started to call himself the "second division David Beckham" after scoring with a few set-pieces. Watto was not amused. "What a big-head," said Watto. "Everybody knows that I'm the real second division David Beckham!"

Finally the lads showed what a strong and talented squad we have by beating Swansea on Tuesday night. Dirk finally hit the goal trail and Steeley deservedly hit the late winner. It all augers well for the new regime. Now I'm off to change my birth certificate before the gaffer realises just how old I really am.