It is my job to try and earn promotion this season, says Ashford United player-boss Danny Lye

ASHFORD UNITED have yesterday appointed Danny Lye as manager of the club on a deal until the end of the season.

The experienced central defender replaces Paul Chambers, who was relieved of his duties ​at the weekend ​​following four years in charge ​at Homelands.

Commenting on his appointment, Lye, who will continue to play, said: "I'm delighted to take my first managerial role with Ashford United. I have known Don Crosbie for a number of years and he has some exciting plans for the club.

“We have a talented group of players here and it is my job to try and earn promotion this season.

“I would urge all of our supporters to get fully behind the team and help us on our upward journey."

Experienced striker Shaun Welford joins from Hythe Town to act as Lye's assistant while Nuts and Bolts forward Paul Booth and Shaun Holland, who leaves his role as reserve-team manager at Kent Invicta League side APM Contrast, have been appointed as first-team coaches.

Assistant manager Lloyd Blackman​, ​goalkeeper Joe Mant ​and striker Craig Thompson ​have ​all left following the exit of Chambers.

Mant has signed for Ryman League Division One South side Hythe Town, while Thompson has signed for the Cannons’ rivals, Whitstable Town.

The statement on the club’s website added: The club would like to thank ​them for their service and wish them well with their future footballing careers.”

Lye’s first game in charge of the club will be Saturday’s trip to AFC Croydon Athletic with the club sitting in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League table on three points, albeit after only one league game.

Ashford United were dumped out of The FA Cup in the Extra Preliminary Round when they lost 5-1 at league rivals Cray Valley, which was to be Chambers’ last game in charge at Homelands.

Visit Ashford United’s website:  www.ashfordunitedfc.com