Richie Reynolds says he wants a quick return to management with Worthing.

Just a week after his shock sacking by Pagham, Reynolds has confirmed he has applied for the manager's job at Woodside Road.

The 53-year-old admits he is still amazed by his dismissal by Pagham, who were third in division one of the County League when the axe fell.

In two years at Nyetimber Lane, Reynolds turned Pagham from relegation fodder into a young, exciting side who were challenging for County League honours.

Pagham chairman Graham Peach has not elaborated on the reasons for the decision but a drop in bar takings and a downturn in attendances are believed to be factors in their decision.

Reynolds believes he has the right credentials to take over at Worthing, where Barry Lloyd is currently in caretaker charge.

Not many people in Sussex football can claim to have played against Pele and coached Ruud Gullit but Reynolds can.

In a League career spanning more than 250 appearances and 48 goals, Reynolds held the record for the youngest player to play for Plymouth and was also top scorer at Portsmouth one season. He was also an England youth international and was selected for the under-23 squad.

Reynolds, a centre forward, later played in the NASL for Dallas Tornadoes, twice appearing against a New York Cosmos side featuring Pele.

He also turned out in Holland for FC Haarlem where he coached a young Ruud Gullit.

Reynolds, who would take Kevin Hotston as his No. 2, said: "I feel our credentials are as good as anybody with our experience. I have been successful wherever I have been.

"I have been involved in the County League for a number of years but my pedigree is a lot better than that.

"The Worthing job interests me because it is a better standard."

John Crumplin and Danny Hinshelwood have also applied but Rebels are keen for Lloyd to remain in charge, at least until after the Boxing Day derby at home to Bognor.

Former Pagham player Paul Gilbert has been installed as their new manager.