Worthing have called on Barry Lloyd to see them through their managerial crisis.

The former Albion boss has been appointed caretaker manager in place of Sammy Donnelly, who resigned last Saturday.

Lloyd, 52, was at training last night to see how many players he still had to work with.

Top scorer Gavin Geddes was lining up a move to Eastbourne Borough even as Donnelly was writing his resignation speech and other players were expected to leave the club.

Lloyd built what is regarded as the best team in Worthing's history in the mid-Eighties before embarking on a six-year rollercoaster ride with the Seagulls, which included two relegations, a promotion and a Wembley play-off final.

His first game back with Worthing, at Carshalton tomorrow in Ryman division one, comes eight years after his departure from the Goldstone.

That was his last managerial role, though he has been working as an advisor with Geoff Raynsford at County League side Worthing United.

Lloyd revealed: "Worthing rang me out of the blue and asked me to help out while things settle down and I said 'no problem'.

"Things are not easy at any level of football but that does not worry me at all. Football is like a drug. I can't keep away.

"I've only seen Worthing in pre-season but I know a number of their players, though how many will stay at the club I don't know."

United boss Geoff Raynsford has also released his director of football Keith Rowley to assist Lloyd, though he sees both as short term appointments.

Raynsford would be a popular choice for the Rebels job and has not ruled himself out.

Rebels have kept a close eye on the progress made by their former player Jimmy Quinn at Lewes, though there would appear less reason than ever for him to return to Woodside.

John Crumplin has put his name forward and could be a frontrunner. Selsey's Danny Hinshelwood, arguably the brightest young manager, in the County League, may also apply.

President Morty Hollis said: "There has been a lot of interest in the manager's job, even without advertising it."