Ahead of Saturday’s mouth-watering clash away at top-of-the-table Barton Rovers, Royston Town caretaker manager Duncan Easley has ruled himself out of the running for the job.

Following talks with chairman Steve Jackson, and in light of the club’s ambitions to get promoted to Step Three this season, Easley felt he could not dedicate the time due to work and family commitments.

Speaking to the Royston Crow, Easley said: “It was something I have been thinking about, and had a chat initially with Steve [Jackson] about the job.

“But the club is very ambitious, and I just couldn’t dedicate the time to taking on the position.

“I have had a good six years here, and we will just have to wait and see until the new manager is appointed to see where my future lies.”

Easley will remain in caretaker charge until the vacant position is taken up.

And his next challenge will see his Crows outfit travel to take on table-toppers Barton Rovers this Saturday.

While being surprised at how well the Bedfordshire outfit have started the Calor Division One Central season, Easley is in no doubt the game will be a stern test of his own players’ promotion aspirations.

“I am looking forward to it, and so are the lads,” he added.

“There are some ex-Royston players there, which will add extra spice to the game.

“I am a little bit surprised with how well they have started, but they are top for a reason, they’re obviously doing something right, and there’s no doubt it will be a tough game.”

Ex-Crows Bobby Dance, Ashley Grinham and Liam McDevitt will all be hoping to feature against their old club for Barton.

Meanwhile Easley has revealed first-choice goalkeeper George Lawton could be out for up to three months after fracturing his thumb during the Herts Senior Cup defeat to St Albans City.

Zach Binge, who deputised for Lawton in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Northwood, is set to continue between the sticks for the Barton game.

Lewis Endacott will miss out as he begins a three-match suspension.

n The club is set to officially advertise the position of first-team manager in the next few days.