Improved Whitehawk visit Albion youngsters - but it would have been 'fun' at home
But the Hawks coach reckons there is nothing to lose in the Sussex Transport Senior Cup quarter-final at Culver Road (7.30pm).
Simpson and Shaun Saunders are guiding Hawks away from the Isthmian premier drop zone with some impressive results, most recently a 2-0 win at high-flying Dover.
Having returned to the club during the current campaign, they are on track to securing the main target of stability in the league.
But a cup tie with what will be a very young Seagulls under--21 line-up offers an exciting challenge.
Even on the Lancing 4G rather than the tricky contours at Whitehawk.
Simpson said: 'I wanted it to be at home. I think that would have been a bit of fun!
'But I'm looking forward to it because I had a few years at Brighton.
'As an academy coach in the 13s and 14s, a few of my boys are probably going to be playing in this game.
'From the club's perspective, the priority is always going to be the league but I think it is quite a nice distraction.
'We lost three or four players to injury on Saturday but it is nice to be able take our minds off the league for a bit.
'Hopefully we put out a really competitive side and have a good go at it.'
The current management team took Hawks back up to the premier division in their first stint and returned with that status under threat.
Simpson said: 'We have laid down some simple principles and non-negotiables.
'A lot of the work we have been doing has been out of possession, just to get us in every game.
'We have lost a few players and recruitment hasn't been easy.
'We have had to galvanise the group and get everyone on side with a new idea of how we are going to play.
'A less risky approach, shall we say?
'For me, it was a case of let's just keep the club in this division and make sure we lay down some foundations and thankfully the players have been excellent.
'They have bought into it.'
'TOP' COMPLIMENT AS BRIGHTON BEAT ENZO MARESCA'S CHELSEA
Hawks had to use players out of position at Dover but secured an excellent result with Harry Bridle and former Albion youngster Billie Clark on target.
Simpson said: 'We have won half our games. We have had 14 games and won seven.
'Last year, we didn't lose in the last 12 or so and we have got the club promoted as well.
'The credit is with the players, they were unbelievable.
'Discipline was excellent and we took our chances.'
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