01/4/10

Lewes boss Steve Ibbitson is hoping to secure the biggest transfer of his life next month with the announcement today that he intends to stand for Parliament in the forthcoming general election.

The shock news comes with Lewes still battling for survival in Blue Square South, but Ibbitson doesn’t plan to turn his back on the Rooks. Instead, if elected he aims to combine both roles and steer his team to safety.

Ibbitson said “I’ve been managing the team all season, and also saved the club from being consigned to history in its 125th year.”

“Being an MP might mean I have to miss the odd evening match if I’m needed in the Commons for an important vote, but I’m figuring that it I will actually be required to work less hours than I am at the moment. And I’ll get paid.”

Some may feel that the cut and thrust of Westminster wouldn’t suit Ibbitson, but the straight-talking Yorkshireman is looking forward to the challenge.

“There’s more politics in football than you can imagine,” he said.

“I can deal with people at all levels and can be quite persuasive at times. After all, I did manage to convince Joe Keehan that the highlights in his hair looked ridiculous at the start of the season.”

Ibbitson is a popular figure amongst supporters and is the current Lewes “Personality of the Year,” a significant honour which shows his wider profile within the town.

“I’d serve the town with pride,” added Ibbitson. “I’ve got my own views on the Tesco expansion and the parking regime and given the challenging economic conditions ahead, I’ve already gained a lot of experience working with a reduced budget this season.”

Current Lewes MP Norman Baker, a keen Rooks fan himself, is said to be taking the threat of Ibbitson “seriously,” so much so that he was the ball sponsor at Lewes’ home match against Welling United last Saturday and was even seen talking to supporters after the game.

The prospect of taking a seat in the Houses of Parliament is an exciting one for Ibbitson, especially with the fallout of MP’s expenses likely to be a major issue in the election campaign.

“I’m going to keep all my receipts and see what’s available,” he said.

“My moat could certainly do with a clean and with all the rain we’re having, a few duck islands probably wouldn’t look out of place at the Dripping Pan either.”