GRAVESEND'S board of directors are meeting tonight to discuss a managerial successor to long-serving Andy Ford, who parted company with the club on Tuesday.

Fleet are keen to get the new man in place as soon as possible after Saturday's heavy defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge.

Club secretary Roly Edwards confirmed: "There is a board meeting on Monday night at which the directors will discuss the good many applicants we have received for the job.

"We have been delighted with the quality of applicant, even though the job has not been advertised. It is anticipated that we will have someone in place by the time we play our next Conference game at Carlisle on February 12."

Senior players Steve McKimm and Paul McCarthy will take charge of team affairs until Ford's replacement is named.