Steve Brown has left his role as Margate joint manager.

His departure was confirmed by the Bostik Premier club on Thursday afternoon and leaves Mike Sandmann in sole charge for the trip to Tonbridge on Saturday.

A statement released by the club revealed that the board and management team had spoken in the aftermath of Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Enfield after which Brown decided it was in the best interests of both parties if he left.

Margate director Chris Chambers said: “We would like to place on record our sincerest thanks to Steve for his significant, valuable contribution and dedicated efforts during his time at Margate FC.

Former Charlton and Reading defender Brown added: “I’m positive with time and patience you will all see success on and off the pitch and Hartsdown will develop into a superb non-league ground.

"I’d like to thank everyone at Margate FC and wish everyone at the club the best of luck for the rest of this season and wish you all well for the future.”

One-time Dover assistant manager Brown was appointed Ebbsfleet boss in June 2013 and spent 18 months at Stonebridge Road before being sacked in November 2014.

The 46-year-old also managed at Lewes, a role he left in September 2015 after which he spent time primarily coaching and scouting before joining Margate in November 2016 initially as assistant to Nikki Bull.

Brown filled the same position under Steve Watt before he and Sandmann were named as joint managers at Hartsdown in May 2018.

Margate are currently 18th in the league with 30 points from 28 matches.

They have not won since beating Potters Bar 2-1 on December 1 and Tuesday's 1-0 home defeat against leaders Dorking means they have won just twice at Hartsdown all season and only once since beating Corinthian Casuals on the opening day.