Daren Newman has returned to Withdean 2000 for personal reasons, acccording to manager Mark Stevens.

Experienced defender-cum-midfielder Newman was on dual-registration forms with County League leaders Burgess Hill but has opted to return to the Combined Counties promotion chasers.

Stevens said: "Daren has nothing against Burgess Hill but he has come back to us for personal reasons."

Newman was player-manager at Withdean before returning to Gary Croydon's Hillians earlier this season, however, he will not again be taking the reins.

Stevens said: "Daren is coming back solely as a player and just wants to enjoy his football."

Croydon said: "Daren's got some personal commitments that preclude him from giving his full commitment to Burgess Hill. That is not to say that something might not happen in the New Year."

He added: "It was a bit of a shock last Saturday when we learned he had played for Withdean. However, that was a break down in communication with the people at Withdean."

Newman was a doubt for Withdean's game at Bedfont today after picking up a calf injury last Saturday against Guildford and Godalming.

He missed Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with league leaders Ash United which had boss Stevens purring.

He said: "We were missing Daren, Darron Gearing, Danny Bird, Craig Peters and Nicky Loversidge but the young players gave their all and we were very unlucky not to win the game."

Withdean have signed young left-sided defender/midfielder Ben Swetman, who includes Southwick and Saltdean among his former clubs.

Peacehave manager Nigel Nash is set to put in a seven day approach for Lewis Johnson of Burgess Hill.

Whitehawk have failed to attract striker Tom Pattenden from Peacehaven but expect to have former Albion forward David Gipp available over Christmas. Hawks are unbeaten in nine league games.