Daryl McMahon has made a dramatic return to Ebbsfleet United and will lead the side as caretaker manager alongside Steve Gritt this weekend.

McMahon's return and appointment alongside ex-Charlton man Gritt against Bishop's Stortford on Saturday (3pm) was announced on Thursday lunchtime.

The 31-year-old McMahon left Fleet in January following the arrival of Jamie Day as manager, signing a two-and-a-half-year deal at Fleet's Vanarama South rivals Boreham Wood.

The former West Ham apprentice, who went on to play for Port Vale, Leyton Orient, Notts County, Stevenage and Cambridge however stayed on as Fleet's academy manager.

McMahon was Steve Brown's first signing as Fleet manager, joining from Kent rivals Dover for £13,000 in 2013. He scored 19 goals in 84 appearances for the north Kent club.

Brown handed McMahon the captaincy midway through last season and the midfielder was appointed caretaker manager when Brown was sacked in November.

He guided the Fleet to two wins and a draw before handing over the reins to Day, who departed Stonebridge Road on Tuesday after Fleet fell out of the promotion picture in the final third of the season.

A club statement on Thursday said: "Following the departure of Jamie Day, it was deemed the most practical decision to let Daryl and Steve take charge of affairs for the last game of 2014/15.

"Steve, of course, was assistant manager earlier this season and is still involved with the club in his role as chief scout while Daryl has been in the club during the week taking charge of the Academy side in their 3-0 win over Tonbridge (on Wednesday)."

McMahon said at the time of his departure: "I would like to thank the fans and team-mates for their support for me as captain and whilst in the caretaker role.

"I’d also like to thank Peter Varney and the board for their continued support in developing our academy which I am extremely excited about.

"I wish the new management team and squad all the best for the rest of the season."