19/11/09

Lewes FC has reluctantly released non-contract players Sam Crabb and Evan Archibald this week. 

The Club's playing budget has been much reduced this season as it has battled against a winding up petition issued by the Inland Revenue, but further cuts were seen as "unavoidable".

Manager Steve Ibbitson, who told both players at training on Wednesday night said: "I'm sorry to lose both Sam and Evan but would like to thank them for their efforts whilst at Lewes."

"The state of the club's finances meant that the threat of releasing players was becoming increasingly unavoidable. However, within the limited budget we've got, I still want to try and improve the overall quality of the squad and am particularly looking for a striker with a proven scoring record at, or close to, Blue Square level." 

"The only way of achieving this, whilst also making the necessary budget cuts, is to reduce the size of the squad which will also create further opportunities for the Club's younger players."