Lewes boss Jimmy Quinn is disappointed that Sussex football fans will miss out on a tide of derby matches next season.

Proposed changes to the Ryman League structure would have seen Lewes join Bognor, Worthing and Horsham in a new division one south next season.

For Lewes and Horsham, it would have meant six new derby matches next year.

However, the changes have been delayed for a year after the Football Association refused to sanction them in time for the 2001-02 campaign.

Quinn said: "From a football point of view it would have been great for us. We would have been moving up and going into a league which I think we were capable of playing in. So it is disappointing.

"It would have been better for all the clubs in Sussex whether they agree with that or not.

"If all the teams are strong you are going to get big crowds. It would be better than going up to the likes of Buckinghamshire to play a team where there is nobody watching."

Under the proposed changes, the Rooks would only have had to finish in the top six to win promotion to the new division. Now they must finish in the top three to join division two next season.