Boss Richie Barker has urged Crawley to appoint a new chief executive as soon as possible following the shock departure of Richard Low.

Low left the Broadfield Stadium by “mutual consent” after just six months in the role yesterday following discussions with the club’s board.

It leaves Reds without a chief executive on the eve of the new League One season and could hinder negotiations with potential transfer targets over the next few weeks.

Barker said: “I’ve enjoyed working with Richard and it is a shame he has moved on. The timing is not great either as we have got a lot of things to sort out before the season starts so hopefully the club will act quickly.

“The disappointing thing is that I have not even been in the job for a year yet and I’m already about to be working with my third chief executive which can’t be good.”

Low arrived at the Broadfield Stadium from Aldershot Town in January following the departure of Alan Williams. He reorganised the backroom staff but has been unable to find a buyer for the club after it was put up for sale in March.

Chairman Dave Pottinger said: “After discussions involving the board of directors with Richard we have reluctantly agreed to part company. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Richard all the very best for the future and thank him for his hard work at Crawley Town in his time at the Broadfield Stadium.”

Crawley’s pursuit of Marlon Pack and Luke Rooney also looks set to end in disappointment. The club opened negotiations with the out-of-contract Cheltenham midfielder and Swindon winger three weeks ago but The Argus understands a deal for either is unlikely now.

Barker has also dismissed rumours that Reds are interested in out-of-favour Albion midfielder Ryan Harley.

Meanwhile, Andy Drury and Josh Simpson will feature in tonight’s friendly at Whitehawk after missing the last two games with ankle injuries.

Joe Walsh, Louis John, James Hurst and Jonte Smith are all unfit to play in a team which will include trialists James Stinson and Jordan Adekunle again.