Ashford United say they are disappointed and shocked following Danny Lye's decision to leave the club.

Lye quit on Wednesday after speaking to chief executive Don Crosbie who voiced concerns about the club's poor disciplinary record.

United have received three red cards and four yellows in the opening two games of the new Bostik League season.

Jason Goodchild and Micky Phillips were both sent off in the 5-0 defeat at South Park on Tuesday night, and Pat Kingwell also saw red in the 1-0 opening day home defeat by Carshalton Athletic

Mr Crosbie revealed the club were heavily fined last season after 12 red cards and says things must change.

He said: "I had strong words with Danny regarding the ill discipline and told him it couldn't continue.

"He agreed, but took it personally and decided to leave. It's a big disappointment and shock, but that's football.

"As a club we couldn't stand for it happening again, and the Bostik League have already said they will clamp down on clubs with poor disciplinary records."

Lye's departure has sparked off a mass exodus on and off the pitch with all his backroom team, including club record goalscorer and No.2 Shaun Welford, following him out of Homelands.

Rory Hill and Goodchild are among the first to confirm they have left.

Youth team manager Jason Whitmore will be in charge for the FA Cup Preliminary Round trip to Redhill on Saturday.

Mr Crosbie added: "We had had five enquiries already, but will take a week or so to allow the dust to settle and see how things work out.

"We are looking to make a long-term appointment and somebody who shares our aspirations for the club."