Paul Higginson and Steve Bean have one aim for the rest of the season - to keep Saltdean United in Division One of the County League.

The pair have been placed in joint charge for the remainder of the season following Glenn Burvill's decision to quit as manager after last week's draw with Three Bridges.

The Tigers had suffered an alarming slump down the table over the last couple of months and Burvill felt he could take the club no further. Higginson and Bean were immediately handed the task of keeping the club in Division One.

Higginson, who had been Burvill's No. 2 for 18 months, said: "Our objective is to finish 17th. That is all we are interested in. There is no point looking any further than that.

"We have a good set of directors who have a way forward for the club over the next two years and that all surrounds first division football.

"If we come 17th and survive by goal difference or by a point, that is fine."

Higginson has a coaching background, having held an FA badge since 1991, and has also worked in youth football.

Bean has an impressive background in youth football, taking his successful Preston Panthers side to Saltdean a couple of years ago and continuing their progress to such an extent that a number of them are now first team regulars.

Higginson said: "The first team needs Steve Bean because he has worked with four or five of what we call our 'Grange Hill Gang'.

"I have spent 18 months with the other players, and that is why the club needs both of us. We have had good feedback from the players, have got good support from the directors and we just need to get on with it.

"In the next two or three years, if everything goes to plan, there are exciting times ahead here."

The only player leaving Saltdean following Burvill's departure is defender Stewart Holmes, who has attracted interest from four clubs, including Crawley, Burgess Hill and Wick.