Albion are kicking-off the New Year in new shirts to mark the launch of their centenary.

But Monday's match at Withdean against Southend is extra-special for one Seagull for another reason.

Nathan Jones joined Albion from Southend in the summer on a Bosman free transfer. The Welshman made 99 League appearances in three years with the Shrimpers and still has a lot of friends at Roots Hall.

He has been waiting for the chance to tackle his old club since August, when a suspension incurred while playing for Southend ruled him out of Albion's 2-0 defeat on the opening day of the season.

"It was hard for me to miss that game," Jones said. "It made me that bit hungrier when I came back.

"I love playing. It's the only thing I can do. For me not to play is taking away my livelihood and that kills me.

"Technically Monday is just another game, but playing against a lot of your mates gives it added spice.

"Putting personal considerations aside, I want three points to take us closer to Chesterfield."

Jones' place in the team against his former employers is by no means guaranteed.

He enjoyed a great start to his Albion career, scoring twice in his second outing at home to Torquay and then netting again at Millwall three days later in the Worthington Cup.

In fact, Jones bagged four goals in six games from the left flank in September and his wing wizardry earned him a spot on Sky TV's Soccer AM programme on Saturday mornings.

Then the goals dried up and Jones' form dipped. He was replaced by Paul Brooker at half-time in the 2-0 defeat at Mansfield a fortnight ago and was on the bench for the last home game against Exeter.

"I was disappointed to be brought off at Mansfield," Jones said. "I worked hard and tried to get involved, but things didn't happen so you have to change things.

"We are in a position now where we are looking to win every game. Nil-nil wasn't good enough for us.

"We are one of the best teams in the League, so we have to look for wins.

"The manager changed it and that is entirely up to him. All I can do is try to play well in every game I play and keep working hard."

Jones was back in the starting line-up for the banned Bobby Zamora in the Boxing Day fixture at Barnet. He was booked for a foul in the first half and replaced by Darren Freeman with 11 minutes left but played his part in Albion's success.

"I've worked hard in training, the manager has been pleased with what I have done and he has told me that," Jones added.

Now the player with an ordinary name hopes to be playing in what for him is no ordinary game.

Barring accidents Michel Kuipers will be in goal again on Monday, with the intention of lasting the full 90 minutes this time.

The big Dutchman was taken off at half time by Micky Adams in the defeat at Southend four months ago. Mark Cartwright kept him out until early October, but Kuipers has grabbed his chance with both hands after Cartwright had hernia surgery.

A second shut-out in succession over Christmas at Barnet made it just 12 goals conceded in 16 matches since the former Bristol Rovers reserve regained his place.

"I'm very pleased," Kuipers said. "To keep a second clean sheet in a row is very good."