Keehan to remain Lewes manager (From The Argus)

Keehan to remain Lewes manager

9:33pm Monday 3rd November 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(1)

Kevin Keehan is to remain as Lewes manager.

Keehan’s position was discussed at an emergency board meeting tonight following the Rooks’ humiliating FA Cup exit at home to Eastern League side Leiston.

However, the under-fire boss survived calls for him to be sacked following a frank discussion between directors.

The club will not comment officially until they release a statement tomorrow morning but Keehan will continue in his combined position of manager, general manager and commercial manager.

The main crux of tonight’s meeting was the club’s financial position.

Lewes are currently bottom of Blue Square premier and are struggling to raise the money for ground improvements to secure the A grading they need to stay in the top flight of non-league football.

Last Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat in a replay to Leiston, who are equivalent of a County League side, was a huge financial blow to the club.

Not only did they miss out on £12,500 up for grabs for the winners but also the potential of £18,000 for progressing from a favourable first round draw at home to Blue Square north strugglers Fleetwood together with the takings from a home fixture.

Just 363 fans turned out to watch the Leiston replay, which is well short of the 700 break even figure set by the club.

A scratch card scheme devised for supporters to help raise funds for the club has seen little uptake. Various other money-making ideas were discussed at the meeting.

Lewes need to find £365,000 – part of which will come in grants – to fund the necessary improvements for the A grading. That work has to be completed by March 31 or the club will be automatically relegated.