FORMER Southend United midfielder Josh Wright has been placed in temporary control of Ebbsfleet United.

Wright will be in the dug-out for Tuesday's clash with Aldershot Town after Ebbsfleet opted to part company with boss Danny Searle after a miserable start to the season.

A club statement confirmed: "Ebbsfleet United have today relieved first-team manager Danny Searle of his duties with immediate effect.

"The club would like to go on record as recognising the incredible job that Danny achieved last season in saving the club from relegation, after taking over initially as interim manager in February through to that memorable afternoon at Boreham Wood that maintained the Fleet’s National League status.

"It is with that very status in mind this season, however, that the decision has been made to part company with Danny after a start to the season which has fallen below expectations.

"Such a decision is never one that is taken lightly or without due consideration – but it must always be taken with the good of the football club in mind."

Ebbsfleet sit bottom of the National League table with one point from seven games.