Boss Russell Slade is cautiously optimistic about Albion bouncing back from the horror of Huddersfield.

Cautious, because he is taking a step into the unknown as the Seagulls attempt to restore pride against Stockport at Withdean today.

In 15 years and more than 400 games as a manager, Slade has never been involved in anything quite like Tuesday’s 7-1 humiliation at the Galpharm Stadium.

He said: “What you want to do is put it in a box on one side. It’s happened, it’s out of the way, there’s a mountain of games to come.

“You would hope that is the case but it was a difficult night and something I’ve not experienced. It’s all a question of how we react to that.

“I’ve had a five, never anything else. That was with ten men at Stockport in the cup with Yeovil.

“We missed a penalty, hit the crossbar and went down to ten men. Instead of being 2-0 up we were 2-0 down and that was bizarre.

“That was definitely one to put in the box and put to one side and the next game we won.”

Slade is hoping history repeats itself. Not, of course, with another heavy defeat at the hands of Stockport but his side recovering instantly from slaughter with a victory.

He is especially keen to compensate the supporters who made the midweek trek to West Yorkshire.

Slade said: “The fans were unbelievable. They stayed until the end. They spent their well-earned money on a ticket and travel and deserved better than that.

“I just hope they come out in their numbers and we can excite them enough for them to get behind us.

“It was a difficult night for everybody concerned at the club. Nobody likes being beaten in the manner we were.

“I know we had ten men and were against a decent side but some of the goals we conceded were inexcuseable.

“We’ve talked about it and brought it all out in the open, which I think was the right thing to do. Obviously, those things will stay in the dressing room.

“You ask many questions of yourself, and other people, but actions speak louder than words and the only way we put it firmly behind us is with a positive performance.”

Albion’s customary preparations have differed in one respect. They trained at Withdean on Thursday, not Falmer, to aid the acclimatisation process for newcomers like Elliott Bennett and goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

Slade pointed out: “We have only played on our home pitch once (including pre-season) and it’s important, particularly for the new lads, to get a feel of the new surrounds.”

Much has happened, not just at Albion but at Stockport too, in the 16 weeks since Nicky Forster’s goal divided the sides to guarantee the Seagulls’ League One status.

County went into administration, Jim Gannon was made redundant and former Liverpool and Everton centre half Gary Ablett is now in charge. All of which, in the prevailing circumstances, is of little concern to Slade.

He said: “All clubs at some stage or another, ourselves included, have peculiar periods in their history or difficult and challenging times or successful times.

“Stockport are no different but my focus has to be firmly on our situation, nobody else’s.”