New chairman Vic Marley insists Crawley will not be rushed into finding a manager.

Marley, 65, was appointed yesterday by club owners Chas and Azwar Majeed.

The former vice president takes over from Susan Todman, who has returned to her role as director.

One of Marley's first tasks will be helping to appoint a new boss.

Applications have been flooding in since the club advertised the position following the sacking of caretaker manager John Yems last week.

Marley said: "We have had a lot of interest about the job but it is very important we get the right man.

"(Former manager) John Hollins and John Yems took over under very difficult circumstances but the situation is different now.

"We have had a traumatic 18 months but hopefully we are through the worst bits and we are now looking forward to a good season.

"The CVA is virtually out the way so whoever comes in will have a clean slate to work with. We have to make sure the new man is right for the club and will work within our budget.

"Ideally, it would have been good to get it done and dusted straight away but we can't rush into it because it is a very important appointment."

Marley, a former stockbroker, was vice president at Wimbledon Football Club during their Premiership days and famous FA Cup triumph in 1988.

He joined Crawley's board in 1998 under then chairman and now Horsham manager John Maggs and was instrumental in helping the club survive administration a year later.

He remained as a director after John Duly bought the club soon after and has been working as the commercial manager since the Majeeds took over two years ago.

Marley said: "First and foremost, I am a fan so to be asked to be chairman is a huge honour for me.

"I have seen many trials and tribulations at the club and hopefully other fans will know that I have the club's best interests at heart and will do anything I can to help it progress.

"Everyone, from the players to all the background staff, have put in a tremendous effort to keep the club in the Conference this season and hopefully now we can build on it."