Boss Mark Yates admits Crawley could not afford to keep Josh Simpson.

Simpson was offered a new short-term contract at the end of last season on reduced terms but has decided to explore other options.

The midfielder made 167 appearances for Reds after signing from Peterborough United in December 2010 but was plagued by injuries last season as the club slipped into League Two.

Yates, who took over as manager last month, is working with a significantly reduced budget and the club was unable to meet Simpson’s demands.

Yates said: “I had a chat with Josh a couple of weeks ago and he probably felt a little bit under-valued to be honest.

“Things have changed and we can only spend within our means so Josh decided he can get something better elsewhere.

“I’d like to thank him for everything he has done for this club. He has been a real stalwart and I am sure he will be a success wherever he goes.”

Utility player Bobson Bawling has agreed a new one-year deal while Reds are still in discussions with Conor Henderson but Yates withdrew contract offers to Marvin Elliott and Dean Morgan.

Yates added: “We are pleased that Bobson has agreed a new deal and but after evaluating the squad I decided not to go any further with Marvin and Dean.”