Saltash United's popular player-manager Danny Lewis has decided to walk away from the Waterways Stadium, the club has announced.

It is unclear at this stage why Lewis, who led the Ashes to second place and a play-off for promotion in the Western League premier division this season, has decided to go.

But his shock departure led to several Saltash players taking to social media to openly criticise the way the club is being run off the field.

In a statement, the club said: "Saltash United have today received notification that Danny Lewis has decided to step down from his role as first team manager with immediate effect.

"Danny stepped up as manager for the start of the 2022-23 season, after having been promoted to assistant manager in our inaugural season back in the Western League in 2021-22.

"Under his leadership our side finished second in the league, losing just four games in 36, narrowly missing out on promotion to the Southern League and reached the semi-final of the Cornwall Senior Cup.

"As a player, Danny made 386 appearances for the Ashes, scoring 31 goals in his 18 year career in red and white (2005-2023).

"Needless to say, his record speaks for itself, and we would like to thank Danny for his incredible loyalty to the football club over the years, and we wish him all the best for his plans for the future.

"He remains an Ashes legend and has departed with the very best wishes from the committee.

"The process to fill the vacant position has now started."