Oxford City have been rocked after manager Andy Lyne sensationally resigned following the club's 2-0 defeat against Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday.

Lyne, who oversaw City's promotion to the Southern League last season, is believed to have become disillusioned with the game.

Following a meeting with chairman Brian Cox, his resignation as boss was reluctantly accepted.

Only four weeks ago, an outspoken Lyne hit out at the match referee at Bishops Cleeve following the dismissal of striker Ray Spence - a decision which at the time made him question whether he wanted to remain involved in the game.

However, he is not severing his links with the club, and will become City's director of football, overseeing all teams at Court Place Farm.

Lyne, who is away on business in the north of England, said: "I have always set myself very high standards for both myself and for my players.

"I feel that I have fallen short of this in the last month and it's time for a new voice."

Cox commented: "We were a little surprised and disappointed by Andy's decision, but he has done a marvellous job for us over the last few seasons.

"Obviously we tried to talk him out of his decision to stand down, but Andy had made his mind up and felt he had taken the team as far as he could.

"I was delighted that he will be staying on as director of football, and I'm sure that his new role with be a new challenge for him.

"He has a vast knowledge at this level of the game, and this new role will make him a valuable member of the board."

Cox declined to comment on a possible successor to Lyne, but did confirm that there were a number of options now open to him.

He said: "We'll obviously take time in appointing Andy's successor, but we do hope to make an announcement soon."