CARETAKER boss Rob Thom has ruled himself out of the running for the Lyme Regis manager’s job.

Although Thom does not want the role on a permanent basis he is prepared to fill in until the end of the season if needed.

Thom, assistant to Tim Edwards before his decision to step down earlier this month, previously managed the Seasiders alongside Robin Townsend until the end of the 2008/09 campaign.

“Tim said he was going to step aside and I told Howard (Larcombe, club chairman) I would be happy to step in for the interim period,” said Thom.

“It might be to the end of the season but it’s not something I want to do long term.

“With work commitments I struggle to get to training and if I was going to do it permanently I’d want to be fully committed to it.”

He added: “There are a couple of people who will help me on match days and hopefully Robin Townsend might come and help me out a few times.

“We’ve got a few senior players like Mark Bailey and Matt Laing who already do a lot with training and they’ve said they are happy to help me out.”

Lyme’s Devon & Exeter League Division Two clash with Hemyock last Saturday was postponed so Thom’s next game in temporary charge will be at home against Exmouth Town Reserves on Saturday, January 2 (2.15pm).

Meanwhile, Lyme’s reserve also saw their match at the weekend called off.

They travel to Offwell Rangers a week on Saturday, while Lyme Bantams lost 4-3 at Crewkerne Town last time out.