Terry Brown is promising himself a quiet Christmas before looking to return to management in the New Year.

The 3-0 Vanarama National South defeat at fellow-strugglers St Albans on Saturday saw the axe fall on 63-year-old Brown and his assistant Stuart Cash, almost two years to the day since they were appointed.

Brown said: “I respect and understand the decision and why it was made, it is a results driven business and they haven’t been as good as we wanted.

“We wanted back-to-back promotions, and achieved the first part, but the first half of this season has been very disapppointing.

“I believe they are a goalscorer short of being a very decent side, and who ever takes over, should look to get one in.

“We looked to make changes six weeks ago, and had we got the forwards in then, things might have been different.

“They are not miles off from being a side who can still make the play-offs, which people might think is ridiculous.”

Reflecting on his final game in charge at Clarence Park, Brown said: “ The result was awful and we played awfully. We missed a penalty, and a couple of other chances, and the heads went down.”

Brown says he is proud of his record in 25-years in management saying: “I have never been relegated, and every club Stuart and I have worked at have always been promoted by one, two or three leagues.”

He also paid tribute to the Margate fans adding: “They are the best supporters of any club we have worked at. They are a small and loyal bunch, but very vocal and really deserve success. I would really like to thank them, because they have been second to none.”

Meanwhile Brown says he wants to recharge the batteries, before thinking about his future plans.

“I am feeling a bit worn out at the moment, but plan to watch a few games, have a peaceful Christmas, and then come bouncing back next year.”

Meanwhile Margate have confirmed that Club Captain Nikki Bull and Coach Jamie Stuart have been put in charge of first team affairs while the club search for a new Manager.

A club spokesman said "The Board believe that both Nikki and Jamie are well respected characters within the changing room and are in the best place to assist the club during this transitional period."