Chief executive Martin Elliott and his fellow directors released a statement on Wednesday saying the the board were prepared to listen to any offers from people willing to take over the club.

Poor gates following the Rooks' disappointing start to the season coupled with Lewes's disastrous early exit from the FA Cup have put a massive financial strain on the club.

And following an emergency board meeting on Monday night, it was decided that the directors were willing to let an outside party try their hand at guiding the club to Blue Square Premier safety.

A statement released by the club read, "Although prudent budgets were set for the season, there have been a number of circumstances that have affected the club that have led the club to review the current position and consider the best way forward for the club. The exit from the FA Cup has added stress to the current financial situation.

"The current credit crunch has meant that some new funding options have not materialised. We now have to reassess the position as the club is under severe financial pressure. The lower gate receipts have also put pressure on our cash flow.

It is with the best interests of Lewes FC that the board are willing to listen to all and any offers of financial support up to and including the sale of Lewes FC to suitable interested parties. It must be stressed that certain criteria are attached to any full sale of the club that would involve the commitment of the new owner(s) to continue with the youth, under18, reserves and ladies sides, something that the present board holds dear to theirs and the community's heart.

"For the future good of Lewes FC, the club are interested in talking to any parties wishing to get involved with the football club at any level of contribution.

"The directors are now looking for further help to ensure that Lewes FC can move forward in these difficult times. If you are interested please contact Martin Elliott at the club on 01273 407975."

Mr Elliott told the Sussex Express, "For some while now we've been looking for some assistance and help.

"Things are grim in the ecomomic climate which has proved very difficult for us.

"From an on-field point of view things have been very disappointing and going out of the Setanta Sheild and FA Cup was a wonderful opportunity that slipped out of our hands.

"You can only do so much. I've had a crack at it for eight years, it's only right and proper for others to step forward.

"The town has got to rally round. It needs serious players to come forward. I sincerely hope they do. But It's time for a change.

"Over the next 10 days we'll see who might come forward.

"I feel fully confident that offer of help and support will come forward, what level or basis it will be I don't know.

"Let's find a new group of people. There must be someone out there. They can have the benefit of where we have taken the club and also the benefit of our help, if they want it. I will always be willing to support and help (the club) in any way I can."

"I am more than happy to meet with any group and provide them with any information. The only important thing here is the town's football club.

"If someone wants to come and buy and run a football club we have got to let them do it."

But the Lewes chief executive insisted that the current board would have to be satisfied that any takeover would not jeapordise the club's thriving under 18 and ladies sections.

"It's fundemental to us that the club continues with all those aspects," he said.

In response to speculation that the club could go into administration – or worse – should no takers be found soon, Mr Elliott said, "That's just people being very dramatic. A number of other football clubs have some very serious issues.

"People have got to help; if they don't then we will have to deal with it in some shape or form."

"We knew it was going to be a very difficult challenge in this league. Clearly there have been some disappointments on the field, although I think we have had some misfortune. I think what is happening still would have happened had we not been knocked out of the FA Cup, although things would have been a bit easier if we'd had a nice little cup run."

"But who would have thought just a few years ago that we would be playing the kind of teams that we are this season."