Gary Elphick has ruled himself out of the running to replace Jimmy Quinn as Lewes manager.
Elphick, a former Lewes manager, had already been promoted from under-18 boss to reserve team manager for next season but he will not be applying for the first team job.
Chairman Terry Parris said: "Gary has decided not to go for it. He wants to spend his time bringing the young lads through.
"He wants to support the new manager but he wants to concentrate on the youngsters himself."
Assistant-boss Steve Johnson and former Albion player John Crumplin, who is physio at the Dripping Pan, have already stated their interest in replacing Quinn, who stepped down after the final game of the season against Windsor and Eton last Saturday.
The pair have been placed in temporary charge and both will be considered for the post but Lewes are to advertise the position in a bid to find the right man.
Parris said: "We would like somebody who has played the game at a reasonable level, is a good coach and probably a tracksuit manager.
"Maybe an ex-pro, somebody with high standards and somebody who will resurrect our reputation because our reputation has been tarnished over the last few weeks.
"They have got to be enthusiastic about the club rather than just the first team. They have got to be enthusiastic about the youth development. We don't want a budget orientated manager. We want a manager who can produce players.
"We have a lot of time and respect for the work and effort put in by Steve Johnson and John Crumplin. We definitely want to keep them both at the club because they have been a massive part of our success."
Parris has also promised a prompt outcome to the situation.
He said: "I think we need to move quickly. I had a meeting with the players last week and told them that. We need to make an appointment within three or four weeks."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article