Lewes are not facing a financial crisis despite making manager Steven King axe four of his squad.

That is the message from chairman Terry Parris who insists cutting King's budget is sensible management.

Dwain Clarke was the first player to leave, joining Aldershot over the weekend, and three more will follow this week.

The move has disappointed King and will concern supporters as Lewes look to have a chance of challenging for a play-off spot this season.

But Parris says nobody should be alarmed and the club are not about to follow the demise of Conference south rivals Hornchurch, whose squad was decimated after they were plunged into financial crisis.

Parris said: "It has been a complete unknown going into this league and that is why a lot of clubs are looking at their budgets.

"We haven't been getting as many people through the gates as perhaps we would have wanted and we were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle which had a huge impact on the club.

"We have been running with too many players. We have had a squad of 20-plus and in realistic terms it should be 16 or 17 as most teams in this league go with."

Limited opportunities for the club's youngsters, like Steve Metcalf and Nick Fogden, have also been a concern to the board.

Parris said: "Perhaps the development plan is not working as it was intended.

"We put the reserves in the Suburban League and set up a strong under-18 side and that comes at a cost. Part of the criteria for the manager was the development of local youngsters. We need to bring players along and get them into the squad so that they are part of our future."

King has accepted the cuts although it is understood he is bitterly upset at having to break up a squad which has exceeded expectations in the first three months of the season.

He remains committed to driving Lewes forward although questions will inevitably rise about his own future. King is ultra-ambitious and a slide down the table could tarnish his growing reputation in non-league football.

However, he believes the Rooks can continue to challenge at the top end of the table.

He said: "I understand the board's reasons but I am disappointed at the same time, particularly with the position we are in and the possibility of what could happen if Hornchurch start to struggle. There could be another play-off place up for grabs.

"Although we have had to make cuts and the squad will be very thin, we will continue to do our best to please the supporters."

Clarke's departure comes just two months after he had a trial with Championship side Sheffield United but King explained: "We had three wingers at the club and it made sense, if we are cutting, that one of them had to go."

Parris believes Lewes can still challenge for honours despite the cuts.

He said: "Full credit to Steve that we have been able to compete at this level. He has managed his money very well.

"Steve still thinks we can get into the play-offs and that is what I want too.

"You have to have flexibility in your budget and it can work both ways. We can always look at it again at the start of next year."