Daniel Webb has revealed his relief at escaping from Southend and returning to Albion on a month's loan.

The teenage target man admits he never expected to be back with the Seagulls.

Webb scored once in 12 League appearances on loan last season to help lift the second division title, but Albion aborted plans to make the move permanent once Peter Taylor quit as manager.

The son of ex-Chelsea stopper and former Southend manager Dave Webb has not featured in the first team this season at Roots Hall, even though the Shrimpers are struggling in mid-table in Division Three.

"I never thought I would be back," said Webb. "When Peter Taylor left I wondered what was going to happen.

"At the time I wasn't very pleased with the way things were done, but Steve Coppell has come in now. This month has just given me a chance to get away from Southend and enjoy myself.

"It's hard to criticise anyone because I might end up going back there again, but when I do leave there a lot of things will come out.

"I haven't played and that has unfortunately been for non-footballing reasons. I'm glad the gaffer here has given me a go.

"I've been playing well at Southend, in training and in reserve games. At least here I'm part of a squad and will be given a fair chance."

Webb, 19, replaced Bobby Zamora in the dying stages of last Saturday's 1-0 home win over Derby.