East Preston chairman Brian Harwood has ruled out a return to football for Barry Lloyd.

The former Albion manager has been linked with the vacant position at the Lashmar but Harwood insists he will not be taking over at the County League outfit.

Harwood said: "Barry is a very good friend of mine. I worked with him at Brighton for nine years.

"He would do anything he could to help me and has offered to do a couple of training sessions but there is absolutely no truth in the rumour he is taking over as manager.

"He is doing a bit of work for Sunderland and with his other commitments he hasn't got the time."

Harwood is hoping to confirm the appointment of Mark Chaplin and Wayne Wren as the new management team later today.

Wren has been in caretaker charge since the sudden resignation of Vic Short less than two weeks ago which prompted a player strike.