Billy Smith today resigned as manager of Crawley Town.

He quit in the wake of Reds' 2-1 defeat at Hayes in the FA Trophy on Tuesday.

Smith's departure ends his second spell in charge at Broadfield Stadium. His entire managerial team, including assistant John Broughton and coaches Brian Owen, Ron Wilson and Jimmy Bolton, have also left the club.

Reserve team boss Francis Vines has taken over as caretaker-manager and will be in charge for Saturday's league game at Havant and Waterlooville. But the club are to advertise nationally for a successor and will draw up a shortlist after applications close on January 31.

Managing director Steve Duly said: "It's a very sad time and almost like a death in the family but it wasn't a total shock, I have to admit. Bill felt he had taken it as far as he could, results haven't been good and our FA Cup run this season saved him to an extent.

"In Frank we have the ideal person to look after team affairs considering his excellent work with the reserve team over the last two seasons. I would certainly like to receive an application from Frank."

Smith's first spell in charge, when Crawley were still playing at Town Mead, ended after less than two years when he resigned because of the club's mounting debts.

When Duly's family took control of the club in October, 1999, they immediately brought Smith back for a second spell in charge.