Lewes boss Steve Ibbitson insists Danny Cullip remains a key figure in his plans moving forward.

Ibbitson knows he will be working with a small budget next season and he believes Cullip has a big role to play.

The Rooks are fighting to avoid going into administration, which if they did between now and the start of the season would see them relegated almost certainly to Ryman division one south.

But Ibbitson is trying to stay positive and is attempting to assemble a squad with Cullip at the heart of it.

He said: “I talk to Danny regularly and he is very enthusiastic. Clearly the budget is going to be limited but Danny is on contract and he is very keen to help in whatever way he can to make things work.

“Danny doesn’t want to do masses of coaching but we see him as a bit more than just a player. The best description is a club captain type of role. He has so much experience and we want to use that.

“We value Danny a lot. I knew he was a good player when I took over but what I didn’t know was the influence he could have in the dressing room as well as the pitch. He was very good with the young players last season.”

Ibbitson and coach Jason Hopkinson confirmed they would be staying at the club last week and now they are trying to bring in extra help.

Coach Steve Eke has left to join Eastbourne Borough and Ibbitson acknowledges he and Hopkinson cannot do both the first team and youth team on their own.

He said: “Two people cannot do all the jobs that are needed. We will definitely be involved with the youth set-up but we need other people to get involved as well.

“Steve Eke has done brilliantly for us but working at Eastbourne Borough is a good opportunity for him.”

Ibbitson has confirmed Lewes will not be running a reserve team next season.

They can no longer play in the Football Combination following their relegation from Blue Square premier and the club’s financial position means they cannot afford to run a team in another league.