Lancers name two assistant managers

They will assist Lancers boss Martin Gander, after Jason Rutherford left his role as joint manager last month to go to Shoreham.

Woods was reserve team manager at Lancers last season and ensured their survival in the Premier Division of the County League Reserve Section, while defender Gainsford will still be playing, while also helping out with the managerial side of things.

Lancing finished runners-up in the County League last season and Gander said: “I gave the decision some thought and didn’t just jump into it but I wanted to get in some people I knew.

“Derren has been involved in County League football for some time and is a good football person and is someone I can trust, listen to and get advice from during games.

“Danny was very keen to get involved on the management side. He’s an integral part of our side and an experienced player, who will be a go-between between the management side and the football side. He’ll also be involved with discussions with Derren and I about next season.”

Gander is hopeful that the majority of last season’s squad will be returning to Culver Road next season, although top-scorer Charlie Walker could be playing for Whitehawk in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Gander said: “Charlie’s going to give it a try at a higher level and I won’t stand in anyone’s way who wants to do that.

“He trained with Whitehawk last season but if things don’t work out for him, I’d like to think he’d come back here – although perhaps he’ll go to one of Worthing or Burgess Hill to stay in the Ryman League.”