Former Worthing star Geoff Raynsford has admitted it would be 'a mouthwatering prospect' to take charge of his old club.

The star defender of the Eighties, now manager of County League Division Two outfit Worthing United, is one of a host of possible contenders for the vacant Rebels job.

Former Albion manager Barry Lloyd has been appointed caretaker and was taking charge at Carshalton today, assisted by Keith Rowley.

They also have the help of John Keeley at Thursday night training sessions.

There is no word yet of a more permanent appointment. Ideally, Rebels' directors would love Lloyd to stick around and work the old magic.

Former Seagulls favourite John Crumplin has already thrown his hat into the ring with a written application.

Raynsford's name was the first to spring to many people's minds after Sammy Donnelly dramatically walked out following disagreements over budget cuts.

Instead, Raynsford released Lloyd, his advisor at United, and Rowley, his director of football, to try and sort out the Woodside Road turmoil.

Raynsford sees their absence from United as temporary and has not ruled himself out of the race for the job.

He said: "I am manager of Worthing United and I have a very good committee here.

"People have been mentioning my name which is pure speculation.

"But any manager in Sussex would be interested in the job. It is a mouthwatering prospect but there would have to be a lot of things looked at first.

"I had ten great years at Worthing, the best of my football career, and it deeply saddens me to see them in this situation."

Rebels were close to naming Damian Webber as their caretaker manager so he is clearly in their thoughts.

Crumplin would be an intriguing choice. He showed promise as manager of Selsey and Three Bridges in the County League and was keen to take over at St Leonards following the short-lived tenure of Terry White.

As a wild card, what about Danny Hinshelwood? Crumplin's successor both as Albion fullback and Selsey boss is another bright young manager with plenty of contacts and said he was "strongly considering" an application.

With Gavin Geddes already lining up a move to Eastbourne Borough, the one major post-Donnelly departure looks like being skipper Mark Burt.

Lewes have made an approach for his midfield services.

His was the one familiar name missing from the line-up named by Lloyd after training on Thursday.

Whatever happens in the next few weeks, the new Worthing manager can expect a momentous home debut. Rebels' next match at Woodside is the Boxing Day derby with league leaders Bognor.