ALBION boss Brian Horton gave his players a day off today after his hectic first week at the helm.

The Seagulls are still unbeaten in three games since he took charge, despite Saturday's disappointing goalless home draw against Hartlepool. "One or two looked a little bit weary," Horton said. "They've had a tough season and when you are down at the bottom it's mentally much tougher than being at the top. "They look as though they need a rest, but they've done very well for me in my first week. "We've gone three games unbeaten, we've had two clean sheets and taken five points out of nine. You can't argue with that." Graeme Atkinson, Horton's first signing, came closest to breaking the deadlock on his debut. The leftback, who is with the Seagulls for the rest of the season on a free transfer from Preston, hit the post from 30 yards in the first half shortly after a similar shot flashed just wide. "I was quite chuffed with them," he said. "You don't get forward that much as a fullback, but I seemed to have a lot of space and time. "Brian was a big influence in me coming here. I realise now what good support Brighton get and the club needs to be in a better state than it is."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.