Rooks legend Terry returns as Chairman

Parris is the record appearance holder for the Rooks as a player and has also served the club as manager and chairman once before. He said he was "delighted" to return to the position he once held.

Parris had been reported to have concerns over the welfare of the club after recent events '“ but he revealed that discussions with Board members had enabled him to know the "full facts" about their plans. He also branded accusations that the Board members did not have the best interests of the club at heart as "disgusting".

He said: "I was delighted to be asked to return. I have missed Lewes Football Club. Once I knew the full facts, and the reasons for the (club's) new direction, I was only too pleased to accept the offer from the Board.

"The Board of Directors are all good Lewes people who only have the interests of the club at heart. They put money in, not take it out, and to suggest otherwise is disgraceful.

"They want the club to consolidate the recent successes and then be in a position to be financially stable and go forward.

"This club is 123 years old, what is being put in place now will ensure it is here for another 123 years. The way it was going, had to be checked.

"It has taken us five years to get a B grading, and now we have 12 months to get an A grading. Plans are in place to achieve that, where possible. I have always supported the Board and they have a clear vision of the next phase for this club. Look what they have achieved in such a short space of time already. We have had great success on the pitch with Jimmy Quinn and Steve King, but none of that would have been possible without what has gone on off the pitch. We must all now embrace the change and look forward for the good of the club."

A club statement read: "Lewes FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Terry as Chairman. Terry has decided to return to the position, and support the board in their new direction."