Danny Lye has been appointed the new boss of Ashford United.

The 34-year-old defender moves into the Homelands hot-seat for his first managerial appointment after Paul Chambers was sacked immediately after the club’s 5-1 FA Cup defeat at Cray Valley (PM) on Saturday.

Lye has accepted the job until the end of the season, with the fall-out from Chambers’ departure almost immediate.

Striker Craig Thompson has joined Ryman League, Division 1 South side Whitstable, while keeper Joe Mant has been released from his contract.

However, Lye wants club record goalscorer Stuart Zanone and midfielder Michael Yianni to stay.

He said: “Stuart is 100% in my plans and I want him to go on and score 50 goals this season and I want to keep Michael.”

APM reserve team manager Shaun Hollands, a long-standing friend of Lye’s, has joined the club as coach, with striker Paul Booth filling a similar role.

Lyle expects to name his new No.2 shortly. He said: “Shaun is a good motivator. He hasn’t worked at this level before but will do a good job and will look after things in the dug-out if I continue playing.”

He added: “It’s all been a bit strange, I was shocked and disappointed to see Paul leave.

“Don Crosbie (the club owner) then asked me on Saturday evening if I was interested in taking over.

Lye has completed an early season ban, and could return against AFC Croydon Athletic on Saturday.

Chambers was sacked immediately after the 5-1 FA Cup defeat at Cray Valley PM on Saturday.

He said:"I was shocked by the decision, but want to thank everyone at the club - players past and present- and supporters - for all their support in my four years in charge."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENTISH EXPRESS