Mark Chaplin has revealed he accepted the post as caretaker manager of East Preston after speaking to former boss Vic Short.

Short left EP in acrimonious circumstances three weeks ago, claiming interference from the club's committee.

His departure prompted a players' strike as they refused to play a Sussex Senior Cup tie at Eastbourne Town.

However, Short was quick to give his blessing to the temporary appointment of former Horsham stalwart Chaplin and assistant Wayne Wren.

Chaplin said: "The first person I rang when they offered me the job was Vic. He said it was better for someone like me who knows the players than someone else."

Chaplin played more than 500 games for Horsham before finishing his playing career at East Preston.

He returned to the Lashmar six weeks ago after Short asked him to become coach. Together with Wren, he will continue in caretaker charge of EP until the end of January.

The club are planning to advertise the post but Chaplin has revealed he could stay on if things go well.

Jimmy Smith, Russell Tomlinson and Josh Sutcliffe have all left in the wake of Short's departure but Chaplin has assurances that the rest of the squad are staying.

Former Withdean manager Trevor Hibberd has taken over as reserve team manager at East Preston.