ALBION boss Russell Slade has refused to throw in the towel, with his team on the relegation ropes.

Saturday’s devastating 3-2 home defeat by fellow strugglers Swindon leaves the punchdrunk Seagulls six points from safety with only five games to go, starting with today’s trip to Colchester.

Slade admitted: “It’s a massive blow but losers will stay down on the floor and I am not a loser.

“I’ll get up and fight. My players have got to get up and fight as well.

“While there is still hope, while there is still light at the end of the tunnel, we have to battle on.

“Who knows what we might be able to do when the dust settles and we get to Colchester?”

Albion leaked three goals in 11 minutes early in the second half after leading 1-0 at the break.

Slade said: “There is nobody more disappointed than me. I feel absolutely sick. I hope the players feel the same.

“I know the fans will be desperately disappointed but it’s still possible. There are five games to go, 15 points still to play for and a lot of football that means we can still get out of the situation we are in.

“There is no time to sulk. We have got to get back on the front foot and be positive. We need a win.”

Chris Birchall was ruled out of the squad on Saturday by illness after Albion’s refusal to let the midfielder move to America to join LA Galaxy.