Hythe Town’s reluctance to let their squad play Sunday League football was behind four key departures this week.

Prolific striker Zak Ansah has left the club alongside goalkeeper George Kamurasi, defender Salvyn Kisitu and winger Ryan Palmer.

The quartet also play for SE Dons, who won two cup finals this season in front of big crowds drawn from their large YouTube following.

More than 100,000 people subscribe to their videos but the players will no longer be doubling up with the Cannons.

“We’ve taken the stance this year that we don’t want any Sunday football,” said manager Sam Denly. “I explained that to them and the decision was made a while back.

“I’ve had meetings with the club and I knew it would mean that they would go.

“It’s a shame because they’re good players but at our level, it’s not practical to have them all involved with that level of football on a Sunday every week.

“They take it seriously. I spoke to them all, and George at length, and in his words, it’s almost like another job to him.

“They’re very passionate about it, which is fine, but the level we’re playing, it’s just not practical for them to be doing that. It’s a shame but it is what it is.

“They’ve all done fantastically well since I’ve been at the club and I thanked them all for their efforts and wished them all well for the future.

“I’m sure they’ll all do well in football and they’ll find a club pretty soon.”

Replacing Ansah will be Denly’s biggest task, the striker having scored 52 goals in less than two seasons at Reachfields.

Denly admitted: “They’re not easy players to replace. His goalscoring record for us has been outstanding.

“He got 27 last year and he had a quiet last third of the season. Players like Zak are few and far between. He’s a quality player but there are good players out there.

“Losing those four frees up some budget and I’ll be looking to replace him. It’s not going to be easy and someone’s got to fill very big shoes but we’ve got a target list and we’ll do our best to bring someone in.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players and agreed a few deals but unless you’re going to get players contracted, you can’t even sign them until June.

“It does free up money (letting those four go). I’ve spoken to a lot of good players and almost agreed deals so it’s a busy time of year.”