Steve Perkins returned to manage Lingfield with an emphatic 7-1 win last week.

After Tony Beckingham quit last month, Perkins, who resigned as boss at the end of last season, returned.

And he warned the new faces he brings in will have to fight for places among those already at the club, which have been removed from the John O'Hara League Cup for fielding an ineligible player.

Perkins, who took the club to its highest level, the Sussex League Division One, said: "I achieved the objective of ensuring that Lingfield remained in Division One in their first ever season in the top flight and with my work commitments and all the travelling involved I thought it was a good time to take time out from the game.

"I was delighted to be offered the chance to return to the club and I didn't take long to accept.

"The timing was right to get back into management and I am really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

"I would like to pay tribute to Tony Beckingham who had to build a completely new side after most of last season's team left.

"Credit to him for bringing in many good players and leaving the team in a good position. He's left me some useful players. I'm looking forward to working with them and hopefully building on his achievements."

In his first match, Lingfield beat Crowborough 7-1 with hat-tricks from Andy Dalhouse and Simon Wallace and the other goal from Gareth Broom.

Perkins, who has signed former Lingfield players Danny Gillard, Danny Jones and Scott Curley, added: "It's great to have them back, but the team have done well this season so these lads shouldn't expect to come straight in.

"I have inherited some good players and the new signings will have to earn the right to play."

On Saturday, Lingfield visit Selsey in the league.