Lee Roberts has left Market Drayton Town after just two weeks as manager – sparking the search for their third permanent manager inside a month.

Roberts left the Greenfields hot seat yesterday morning as the UniBond League division south club faced up to fresh upheaval.

It is understood Roberts’ second spell in charge was brought to an abrupt halt following a disagreement with coach Mick Murphy during Tuesday’s UniBond League challenge Cup home defeat to Mickleover.

It is thought it was Murphy who had initially elected to leave the club.

But a dramatic 24 hours ended with Roberts – who only returned from holiday on Tuesday – stepping aside after being asked to attend an emergency management committee meeting yesterday, with Murphy remaining on the coaching staff.

Roberts refused to divulge details of the incident, but said: “I can’t believe what has gone on.

“I’m gutted because I know I would have done a good job.”

Chairman Alex Mutch, who was also coy over the events of the last two days, added: “It was Lee’s own choice to go. There is no animosity in any direction and we all move on.”

The latest development represents a fresh twist in a turbulent three weeks for Drayton which has followed the decision of manager Simon Line to move to Hednesford.

Murphy filled the managerial void temporarily before Roberts was named as Line’s permanent

successor – but the search for another new boss is now under way.

Murphy joined fellow coach Steve McCormick and injured goalkeeper and long-serving club captain Andrew Pryce in running affairs for last night’s 10-1 thumping of St Martins in the Shropshire Challenge Cup.

That game was watched by both Roberts and Line, whose assistant at Hednesford Delwyn Humphreys was also at Greenfields.

The turmoil comes with Drayton lying sixth in the table in their first campaign at UniBond League level, and they could go top with victories in their games in hand.