Hythe simply couldn’t compete with the money Michael Yianni and Craig Thompson were offered by Ashford.

The pair have dropped a level to join United in Southern Counties East, even though Hythe boss Tim Dixon wanted them to stay at Reachfields.

Dixon said: “I’d have liked them in the squad but I couldn’t match the deals they were offered at Ashford, even though they’re in the league below.

“Ashford want to get in the Ryman League and they should do with the side they’re putting together.

“I’m not going to speak ill of anyone’s budget.

"I’ve got a budget here and I intend to stick to it.

“In Kent we’re all after each other’s players. You’d have to have some budget to get everyone you wanted.

“The key is to be cute with your signings and get that winning formula.”

See the full story in the Folkestone & Hythe Express