Chris McPhee admits he will not simply be catching up with some old friends at Plainmoor on Saturday.

The former Albion striker will also be taking notes on the clash between two of his previous clubs in his temporary role as assistant manager at Kidderminster Harriers.

McPhee was handed his first coaching role at the age of 26 by the Blue Square premier outfit when Mark Yates left to take over at Cheltenham just before Christmas.

Chairman Barry Norgrove admits he is in no hurry to appoint a successor which means McPhee and caretaker boss John Finnigan, 33, are keen to identify potential loan signings now the transfer window has reopened.

McPhee said: “I have always thought I would love to go into coaching when I hang up my boots so when I was asked to help out I jumped at the chance.

“I am only 26 so it is very young to be involved in a managerial role but it is a good thing to have on my CV. It is hard work and difficult to get the balance with playing as well but I’m loving it.

“We’ve got a game at Chester tomorrow so it means I’ll probably be able to get along to watch on Saturday. I still only live five minutes from the ground at Torquay and it will be nice to catch up with some old friends.

“I can use the match as a bit of a scouting mission too as we’ve got a small squad at Kidderminster and might be looking to bring in a few people on loan during January.”

McPhee, who was born in Eastbourne, made his debut for Albion as a 16-year-old in 1999 and went on to score nine goals in 69 appearances before joining Torquay in 2006.

His time at Plainmoor was not a particularly happy one as the club were relegated from League Two and he swifttly moved on to Ebbsfleet before a brief spell at Weymouth. United regained their place in the Football League last season and with both sides currently struggling in their respective divisions McPhee expects a typically tight FA Cup encounter on Saturday.

He added: “Torquay had a great start to the season but have hit a bit of a rough patch since while Brighton are experiencing some indifferent form at the moment.

“The is only one division between the two sides and FA Cup ties are always difficult to call but I would like to think Brighton have got that little bit of quality to go there and get a result.

“Living locally I do look out for Torquay’s results but I was with Brighton since the age of 11 and was born in the county so there is no question I want them to win.

“Even during all my time at the club we didn’t really have a decent run in the competition so it would be nice if they got through to the fourth round and were given a decent draw.

“I’ve been back to Torquay a couple of times with Ebbsfleet and Weymouth and got a bit of stick from the fans because we were relegated the year I was there.

“So I’ll be keeping my head down in the stands if Brighton score.”