Kuipers Back As Albion No 1 (from The Argus)</title>
Michel Kuipers has been confirmed as Albion's No. 1 again.
The long-serving Dutchman will be handed the number coveted by goalkeepers once more this season following a two-year break.
Kuipers wore 16 under Mark McGhee during the 2006-07 campaign, with Wayne Henderson and Scott Flinders sharing the one shirt.
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He wore 16 again last season, Dean Wilkins pointedly leaving the No. 1 jersey vacant, but Kuipers is getting it back now that Micky Adams is back in charge.
It is a further boost for the 34-year-old fans' favourite after he recently signed a new two-year contract.
Kuipers said: "It's brilliant that the gaffer has given me my number back. It's a great gesture, taking into consideration I had it for six or seven years previously. After playing 54 games last season I think I deserve it."
Meanwhile, Adams is relaxed about the promotion pressure facing him on his return to the club.
He steered the Seagulls to the old Third Division title in 2001 and promotion contention in Division Two.
Now fans are anticipating a push to get back into the Championship.
Adams said: "It took me 12 to 14 months to get it right the first time so is the pressure on? I don't know, you will have to ask other people about that but, given time, I think Albion fans and everyone at the club knows what I am capable of doing.
"If it doesn't happen it doesn't happen but I am nice and relaxed about it. I am not the gung-ho young manager I was when I was here eight or nine years ago. I've got more experience now and I am not fazed by anything."
Michel Kuipers has been confirmed as Albion's No. 1 again.
The long-serving Dutchman will be handed the number coveted by goalkeepers once more this season following a two-year break.
Kuipers wore 16 under Mark McGhee during the 2006-07 campaign, with Wayne Henderson and Scott Flinders sharing the one shirt.
advertisement
He wore 16 again last season, Dean Wilkins pointedly leaving the No. 1 jersey vacant, but Kuipers is getting it back now that Micky Adams is back in charge.
It is a further boost for the 34-year-old fans' favourite after he recently signed a new two-year contract.
Kuipers said: "It's brilliant that the gaffer has given me my number back. It's a great gesture, taking into consideration I had it for six or seven years previously. After playing 54 games last season I think I deserve it."
Meanwhile, Adams is relaxed about the promotion pressure facing him on his return to the club.
He steered the Seagulls to the old Third Division title in 2001 and promotion contention in Division Two.
Now fans are anticipating a push to get back into the Championship.
Adams said: "It took me 12 to 14 months to get it right the first time so is the pressure on? I don't know, you will have to ask other people about that but, given time, I think Albion fans and everyone at the club knows what I am capable of doing.
"If it doesn't happen it doesn't happen but I am nice and relaxed about it. I am not the gung-ho young manager I was when I was here eight or nine years ago. I've got more experience now and I am not fazed by anything."
