Nathan Jones has fond memories of his time at Albion – and a Boxing Day thriller.

Jones, now Southampton manager, took charge of the Seagulls on an interim basis on December 26, 2014, after Sami Hyppia’s exit.

Two games in charge before Chris Hughton arrived gave him a taste for being top man.

It is in that role he will tackle his first home league game as Saints boss when Albion visit this Boxing Day.

Jones helped change the momentum of a tough Albion season when he stepped up.

He was a passionate, fired-up character on the sidelines as his side came from 2-0 down to draw with Reading after Glenn Murray struck twice for the visitors at the Amex.

Then came a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Jones said: “I remember it well. I didn’t have the best of starts.

“We were two down in 11 minutes from an ex-Albion player.

“We managed to come back and draw two-all and next one was against Fulham and we won 2-0.

“I managed to remain unbeaten as a Brighton manager, which gave me a taste for it.

I felt I was ready then and that gave me a real taste for being a manager.

“The education I had there working under Sami Hyypia, Oscar Garcia and then especially Chris Hughton taught me a lot taught me a lot about being a manager.

“It was invaluable experience.”

Jones had previously enjoyed his time as a left-back or wide midfielder with the Seagulls under bosses including Micky Adams and Mark McGhee.

He said: “It is a club close to my heart. I played there for five years at Withdean Stadium and had a relatively successful time – three promotions.

“I really enjoyed it, made some good friends, good people, and built some sort of reputation there.

“I had an opportunity to go back as assistant to three managers and, again, it gave me an education “It gave me real kick in football.

“I’ve got really good people there who helped me on my way.

“People like Paul Barber, people like Tony Bloom, really helped me in my progression.

“It is a club close to my heart.

“It won’t be on Boxing Day!

“I’ve been really fortunate in my time to work with some really good football clubs and good people and Brighton is right up there.”