Lewes have completed their squad rebuilding with the capture of John Robinson from Crawley.

The former Albion, Charlton and Wales midfielder has signed for the Rooks and will play in next Saturday's Conference south opener at home to Farnborough Town.

Crawley did not want to lose Robinson but the player was not prepared to go full-time at the Broadfield Stadium.

Robinson watched Lewes' 3-1 friendly defeat of Aldershot on Wednesday before putting pen-to-paper at the Dripping Pan.

Rooks boss Steven King said: "I speak to Francis Vines (Crawley manager) on a regular basis and he told me the situation that John could not go full-time because of his outside commitments.

"John is a nice guy, very enthusiastic and he still has the will and hunger to succeed.

"I wouldn't be signing a 32-year-old unless he wanted to win things. He has a wealth of experience and will bring something different to the team."

Robinson revealed Eastbourne Borough also wanted to sign him.

He said: "I had a look at them both and it was a very hard decision to make.

"I went to watch Lewes against Aldershot. I thought they played very well. Steve has a good squad together and he came across very positive in his thoughts."

Robinson's arrival has offset the departure of Dwain Clarke. Clarke returned to Lewes from Aldershot this summer but has taken a new job and wants to play for a team closer to home.

King has also finally completed the signing of former Charlton trainee Karl Beckford.

Lewes are still waiting for an answer from Crystal Palace regarding their non-show for a friendly at the Dripping Pan last week.

The Rooks want to make it clear they did not know Palace were not coming until less than 45 minutes before the kick-off.

Jamie Redknapp, Cyrille Regis, Nigel Winterburn, Alec Stewart, Paul Walsh and Ralf Little are among a host of sportsmen and celebrities playing for a Celebrity XI against Lewes All Stars at the Dripping Pan on Sunday (3.00).

There is also a chance former England winger John Barnes may play.