Steven King has been rewarded for a tremendous start in management with a two-year contract at Lewes.

The Ryman League division one south leaders have moved to ward off other clubs by offering King terms until the end of next season.

King, who admits there has been interest from elsewhere, wants to sign and the formalities should be completed in the next few days.

There was general apathy, with many fans asking 'Steven who?', when King was named as Jimmy Quinn's successor in the summer.

But the former Dulwich Hamlet No. 2 has built on the foundations Quinn laid and his exciting young side go into tomorrow's home game with Ashford Town (Middlesex) eight points clear after just one league defeat in l6 games.

Gates are up by more than 100 a match, the team are averaging three goals a game and new signings such as Junior Kadi, Peter Adeniyi, Marc Whiteman and Dwain Clarke have become crowd favourites.

King, 35, said: "I have worked without a contract until now to prove myself. That is something I wanted to do.

"I have had interest from other clubs because of how well we are doing but I wanted to show my commitment to Lewes because they gave me the opportunity in the first place.

"The fans are fabulous and the board are really good. I have a good rapport with everyone there. That is important to me because the previous manager was so well respected. To come in and achieve that within six months is very pleasing."

Lewes chairman Terry Parris insists the move is not just about deterring potential suitors but about rewarding King for the work he has done and making a public statement about the club's ambition.

Parris said: "We had a board meeting on Monday. We have agreed a contract in principle, there are just a few small details to sort out.

"We are delighted that Steve wants to commit himself to the club. We want him to take us forward with the ultimate aim of getting into the new Conference.

"Steve wants to make it and he wants to get there as quickly as he can. We have supported him financially.

"We now have ten or 11 contracted players compared to four last season. That is a commitment we have made to the players and to Steve as well.

"People were very wary when we appointed him and some asked what we were doing. Steve has recognised the fact that we have given him the opportunity and put things in place to reach the level he wants to reach.

"Steve will have other opportunities as he goes along and it does protect us but we also need to give him some reassurances that he has the backing of the club. We feel the timing of this is right."

The latest signing at Lewes is Dean Clark, who has arrived on a month's loan from Conference side Woking.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder made his debut in the 4-0 win at Epsom and Ewell in midweek, setting up two goals and also having one disallowed.

Meanwhile, Lewes will be launching their first ever club calendar at tomorrow's game. It will cost £5 and director Steve White joked: "Don't worry, we won't be getting our kit off."