LYE Town are looking for a new manager after parting company with Dean Whitehouse and his assistant Craig Love following Saturday's 3-2 reverse against Boldmere St Michaels.

But chairman Brian Blakemore was quick to point out that Whitehouse had not been sacked and insisted: "The decision was probably initiated by the pair of them, as they asked to speak with me after the game.

"We've made a poor start to the season and I admit I was concerned, but sometimes you can just tell when things are not working out.

"I've not turned into 'Deadly Doug' or anything like that and we've parted on amicable terms.

"Yes it was disappointing that we lost to a Boldmere side which hasn't won all season, but we had a sensible grown up discussion about the situation.

"Both Dean and Craig have worked really hard and put in a huge amount of effort, bringing players in and moving players out, but could never seem to get the right mix. As a result, we never really seemed to have a settled side."

Whitehouse and Love took charge of Lye during the close season after previous boss Andy Wyton stepped down owing to family commitments.

Whitehouse had previously been in charge at Dudley Town and was also involved with Tividale.

Blakemore added: "When you look into Dean's background, there has been some success, however there are times when things aren't meant to be."

Word of Whitehouse's departure from Stourbridge Road has travelled fast and Blakemore confirmed: "I've been inundated with applications for the job, we're already into double figures.

"We've got a League Cup game on Tuesday night at home to Paget Rangers, but then we have no game this Saturday as our proposed opponents are still involved with the FA Vase.

"Ideally, I'd like to have someone in place by the end of the week."

Anyone interested in the position is asked to contact the club through their website.