Steve Brown has been sacked as manager of Ebbsfleet United.

The former Charlton defender led the Stonebridge Road club to the play-off final in his first full season in charge but Fleet missed out on promotion after being beaten 1-0 by Dover Athletic.

This year has produced mixed results, particularly at home where last night Gosport collected all three points in a 3-0 victory.

That proved to be the final straw for Ebbsfleet’s owner Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi, who this evening relieved Brown of his managerial duties.

The Kuwaiti told the club’s website: “I feel that the team needs a change of direction.

“I would like to thank Steve for all his efforts on behalf of the club and wish him well for the future.”