It's a case of father versus son in Albion's Boxing Day showdown at Barnet.

Matthew Wicks' dad Steve has just been appointed coach to Tony Cottee at Underhill.

The former Crawley boss and Chelsea stopper admits it will feel odd. He is also Matthew's agent and has spent most of the season cheering on the Seagulls.

"It's going to be strange," said Steve. "I will probably spend some part of Christmas Day with Matthew and I have become a big Brighton fan.

"I have seen a lot of their games this season and had some good banter with some of the supporters.

"It will be a chance to measure how good Barnet are, because I think Brighton are one of the best teams in the division.

"Tony Cottee played for me in Malaysia at a club called Selangor, so I was flattered to be offered the job.

"I gave it about ten minutes thought and decided to go for it.

"I watched Barnet beat Scunthorpe last Saturday and they are not a bad side.

"They are young with a lot of scope for improvement. Maybe we can get involved in the play-offs."

The pair have been in opposition once before. "I brought Selangor over here and we played Arsenal's reserves," Steve explained.

"Matthew was playing at leftback. It was 2-2 in injury time when he made a run down the wing and put in a cross which Arsenal almost scored from.

"I felt like telling him to slow down! He is pleased I am back in football, but he is totally committed to Brighton. Micky Adams has no worries on that score.

"I can't really win either way. A 1-0 victory for Barnet with Brighton playing brilliantly would be lovely."