Former Crawley boss Francis Vines is returning to Sussex football - as a player.

Vines, sacked by the Conference club a fortnight ago, has signed for County League champions Horsham YMCA and was an unused substitute on Tuesday when YM lost 2-1 to Worthing in the Sussex Senior Cup.

The 43-year-old, who had a distinguished playing career with several non-league clubs, has also trained with YM and boss John Suter is hoping to he will play in tonight's reserve team game at Newhaven in the Vernon Wentworth Cup.

Vines said: "I enjoyed training and being part of the squad on Tuesday. It helped me get the Crawley thing out of my mind and stopped me just sitting at home scratching my backside."

Vines insists his playing comeback is a stop-gap measure and that he is looking to return to management as soon as possible.

"I would be happy to go back on a part-time basis if the right job became available although there aren't a great deal around at the moment," he added.

"I hope the fact that I was full-time for a while at Crawley won't put people off." YM have also signed former Sussex midfielder Dave Gellatly from East Grinstead Town and he is also expected to play tonight.