If fate had been kinder to Adam Hinshelwood he might have been a regular for Albion at the Amex.

Hinshelwood’s career with the Seagulls promised so much after he made his debut at the age of 18 and later broke into the England under-21 squad.

But injuries dogged his time with Albion, eventually leading to his departure in 2009 and later premature retirement after spells with Aldershot and Wycombe.

Still only 30, he knows he could have been running out at the Amex against Ipswich today but instead he will be managing Worthing at home to Redhill in Ryman south.

However, Hinshelwood is still hoping to make an appearance at Albion’s fabulous new stadium – as manager in the Sussex Senior Cup final.

The Rebels face a semi-final against Peacehaven at Culver Road on Monday and it what becomes arguably their biggest game of the season to date, bearing in mind they have no chance of being either promoted or relegated.

Hinshelwood is looking long-term with his plans for the club and insists mounting a challenge for promotion next season is the primary goal he is working towards between now and the end of the season.

But he also admits he would love for his players to experience what he missed out on by reaching the Senior Cup final.

Hinshelwood said: “No matter what level you play, a semi-final in any cup is a big game.

“The chance to play at the Amex is a big thing for the supporters as it would be a great day out for them and also for the players to play at a stadium like that. It is a big incentive for both teams.

“I still think with the size of the club and the fanbase, we have got to start demanding a little more and we are looking next year, definitely, to finish higher up in the league but to get to any cup final would be a pleasing thing and would be a big thing for any club.”

Hinshelwood played 100 Football League games for Albion and the prospect of a new stadium at Falmer was a constant on the horizon throughout his time with the club.

He said: “I did campaigning to get the ground, a lot of walks and things like that. Then they moved in two seasons after I left.

“It is one of those things. I’m delighted for the club that they eventually got the ground but I never got the opportunity to experience playing in front of that number of fans in a great venue like it is.”