GRAVESEND hope to have their new manager in place by the time they go to Carlisle on Saturday.

Two leading candidates were interviewed on Sunday, and club secretary Roly Edwards believes the club will be in a position to announce Andy Ford’s successor in time for him to take his first training session next Thursday.

Mr Edwards said: "We all expect to know a bit more by Tuesday. We’re not far off making a decision, it’s all down to agreeing terms."

Fleet joint caretaker manager Steve McKimm, who took charge for Saturday’s FA Trophy, fourth round tie, is convinced the new man will be appointed by next weekend.

He confirmed: "Somebody will be in charge by the weekend."

On the evidence of Saturday’s poor performance, the Fleet’s need for a new manager assumed even greater urgency as the side struggled to overcome Histon, a mid-table Southern League, Premier Division club.