STEVE McKimm and Paul McCarthy's first game in temporary charge of Gravesend ended in humiliation, as their side were thumped 5-0 by Dagenham.

The pair, who were both involved in Saturday's heavy defeat, took control of first- team affairs following Andy Ford's unexpected resignation last week.

The reason behind the decision appears to have been the board's hesitation in finding a replacement for Ford's former assistant Adrian Pennock, who left the club at the beginning of the year to take charge at ailing Conference South side Welling United, previously managed by Paul Parker.

Ford said: "Without an assistant it's been quite difficult for the last month, as it's a two-man job.

"I had someone lined up ready to come in, but I had to wait for a phone call from the board the next day, and I took that as a lack of confidence in me.

"If the board haven't got confidence in the manager, it's not worth continuing."

Judging from Saturday's performance confidence is also at a premium on the pitch, as the players succumbed to their heaviest defeat of the season thanks to goals from Boot (two), Clark, Moore and Leberi.

Despite this, Fleet had the better of the opening exchanges and went close through Jimmy Jackson, but the former Dagenham midfielder's shot flew over Tony Roberts' goal.

Soon afterwards Fleet conceded the first goal, but on the stroke of half-time Jackson had a glorious chance to draw his side level, only to prod the ball wide of the post.

In first-half stoppage time Fleet conceded again and it was a blow from which they never recovered, as captain McKimm conceded: "We started brightly enough, but it was their second goal at the end of the first-half that was the killer."

An announcement on the managerial position is expected shortly, with Margate boss Chris Kinnear and former Dagenham boss Garry Hill, who watched Fleet's 1-0 cup defeat to Stevenage last midweek, the favourites to take over the reins.

This Saturday Fleet are at home to Histon in the FA Trophy, kick-off 3pm.