Ryan Light has been sacked as manager of Rye and Iden United after a dispute about a text message.

The 25-year-old took charge last January and guided Rye to the RUR Cup final, their first major final in 34 years, and the runners-up spot in division one, their highest ever finish.

United have won three of their first four games this season and are currently second in the table.

Light claims he was asked to leave after texting a player, rather than phoning him.

He said: "The club don't pay me any phone costs, so to save some money I sent a text to a player who had sent me one asking what time a game was.

"That is the only reason I have been given by the club for my sacking. There is obviously a hidden agenda but I don't know what it is.

"I'm absolutely shocked and all the players have been phoning me to say they are as well. I took the club to their first cup final for ages and second in the league and this is what I get."

Committee member Les Britton says the text message was only one of the reasons why Light was sacked.

He said: "There was a lack of communication between Ryan and both the committee and the players. We felt something had to be done sooner rather than later."

Mickey Read, assistant manager under Light, has taken over first team affairs on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, Jason Robson has walked out on Lingfield and returned as manager of Haywards Heath, where he had a spell in charge last season.

Robson, who replaces Steve Barber, is bringing 15 players with him from Lingfield.

It will be a family affair as Three Bridges visit Shoreham in the Sussex RUR Cup on Monday. Bridges boss Sammy Donnelly will be up against sons Darren, who is assistant boss at Shoreham, and Gareth, who plays for them.