Steve Ibbitson has been named as caretaker manager of Lewes.

Ibbitson was appointed tonight to work alongside Danny Cullip, who will continue as player-coach.

The pair will be in charge for Saturday’s game at home to Kidderminster and are likely to remain at the helm for the rest of the season.

Their appointment follows the resignation of manager Kevin Keehan after Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat away to Rushden and Diamonds, the Rooks’ 14th successive Blue Square premier defeat.

Ibbitson, a former Leatherhead and Sutton player, has been joint manager of the hugely successful youth team this season with Jason Hopkinson.

Together they led Lewes under-18s to the third round proper of the FA Youth Cup where they lost out 2-1 to Premier League side Hull City.

Hopkinson and under-18s coach Steve Eke will assist Ibbitson and Cullip with first-team duties.

Ibbitson, who is a hugely respected coach, took charge of the reserves as they went down 3-1 away to Aldershot in the Combination League this afternoon and then dashed back to the Dripping Pan for tonight’s youth team game against Whyteleafe.

Meanwhile, Terry Graves appears to have left his position as assistant-manager following the departure of Kevin Keehan.