Ben Judge and Dave Woozley are staying at Crawley - but not as managers.

The two defenders have been offered one-year playing contracts after meeting club owners Chas and Azwar Majeed yesterday.

But the manager's job is to be advertised, although Judge and Woozley have said they would be happy to assist the new boss.

They helped Reds survive in the Conference after teaming up with John Yems to form a caretaker management trio last October when John Hollins was sacked.

But after Yems was sacked on Monday, Judge and Woozley met the Majeeds to sort out their own futures.

And afterwards Judge insisted they were happy to commit themselves to the club, who stayed up on the last day of the season despite incurring a ten-point deduction for going into administration.

He said: "They have offered us one-year playing contracts as a reward for helping to keep the club up this season.

"As far as a manager is concerned, I think they have their heart set on getting someone in. John only left on Monday but there have already been lots of applicants and I'm sure there will be plenty more interest.

"The owners know our credentials and we won't be applying for the job. They know what we can do and if the new manager wants our help then we will be happy to give it."

Judge, 30, is Crawley's longest-serving player having been brought to the club seven years ago by former boss Billy Smith.

He is delighted that the uncertainty over his own future has been settled, but admitted he was disappointed that Yems has no future at Broadfield Stadium.

He added: "After our meeting yesterday Dave and I met up with John and we wished each other all the best.

"Quite a few Conference managers have already been on the phone to me about the situation at the club. John has enhanced his own reputation by helping to keep the club up and hopefully he will get back into the game soon."

The club today confirmed that they were inviting applications for the manager's job and expect to make an appointment shortly.

A statement said: "We received a lot of applications last October but felt it important not to be rushed into an appointment and it was always our intention to address the situation again this summer.

"After discussions with John we felt it was in our best interests to seek a new manager. The club would like to express its appreciation for all his hard work.

"The board understands the need for stability at the club. After the turbulent 12 months we have faced now is the time for everyone to pull in the same direction and push for our long-term goal which is the Football League.

"The manager's position at any club is the most important appointment and we are looking for someone who can match the board's huge desire for success."

Midfielder Steve Evans has also signed a pre-contract agreement and will be back at the club next season along with Dannie Bulman and Tony Scully, who are already under contract.

The club are scheduled to pay off their creditors under the terms of their CVA by the end of this week although their Conference status is not under threat.

League rules state that clubs in administration on the second Saturday in May are not allowed to compete the following season, but the club came out of administration last November.

Who would you like to see as Crawley's new manager? Let us know your thoughts