Sammy Donnelly believes Division One rivals are glad to see the back of his Southwick side after Redhill condemned them to relegation in midweek.

Redhill won 3-0 at Whitehawk on Tuesday to ensure the Wickers will start next season in County League Division Two.

Southwick's fate has left Donnelly reeling after the 54-year-old from Portslade took over as director of football last December and revitalised them.

Without a win in 13 matches and entrenched in the relegation places, Donnelly guided Southwick to 39 points which he thought would be enough to keep them up.

But Sidlesham and Littlehampton recorded surprise results to finish one point above them.

Donnelly said: "We would have been a threat in the coming season in division one and I think some teams were aware of that.

"There are a few people in that division who thought we would have been in the top six next season and are glad to see the back of us."

Despite the setback, Donnelly pledged to honour his agreement with owner Barry Noonan to stay with the club next season, providing a new stand and changing rooms at Old Barn Way go up as planned.

He said: "I've always preached loyalty and, although it would be easy for me to walk away, I don't want to do that.

"I'll come through it. Fred Proto is a great assistant and, with the backing of director Matthew Major, we will try to turn it around."