STAND-in boss and secretary Tom Stone insists Ashley Banner's decision to quit management will not threaten the future of Worcester Olympic.

Stone and fellow player Gary Jones will take the reins for tomorrow's trip to Whaddon United reserves in Cheltenham League Division One (3pm) after Banner stood down six matches into his tenure in order to concentrate on playing.

The King George V Playing Fields outfit had planned to unveil Scott Stevens as their new boss at training on Thursday but the ex-Olympic player, who had his on-field career curtailed by injury, could not commit to every Saturday.

But Stone revealed there had been plenty of interest in the post and that the long-term future of the club, reformed over the summer, remained secure thanks to the steadfast commitment of the players.

"We are actively looking and have had a few people come forward," said Stone.

"Gary and I do a lot behind the scenes as well as playing anyway so the new man would largely be there to pick the team and give us a presence on the sidelines.

"Scott wanted to be involved but has other commitments at weekends, he could only be here on alternative Saturdays and we couldn't have that unfortunately.

"For now, we will look to alternate which one of us goes on the sideline because I play at the back and Gary plays up front. Ideally, we'll always have someone on there.

"The lads are all on board, though. Hopefully we can get someone in but the players will all be sticking around."

On Banner, who will continue to play for Olympic, Stone added: "It was a surprise because I thought he was fully on board from the messages we had and what he said.

"To be honest, I think he wanted to focus on playing. He feels he has a couple of years left in him before he thinks about managing."