Liam Daish: Ebbsfleet United manager leaves by mutual consent

Ebbsfleet United manager Liam Daish has left the club by mutual consent after more than eight years in charge.

Daish, who was Fleet's longest-serving boss, had a year left on his contract.

The relegated Conference Premier side are on the verge of a takeover by Kuwaiti-based KEH Sports Limited.

Chairman Jessica McQueen said: "The new owners of the club and Liam sat down and both parties agreed that this is the right time for the club to effect a change in the first-team management."

She added: "They had a frank and amicable discussion about the problems that currently face the club as well as the future plans for it when KEH Sports Ltd assumes control of the club at the end of May."

Daish, 44, took charge of the club in February 2005 when they were known as Gravesend & Northfleet.

The former Cambridge United and Birmingham defender won the FA Trophy in 2008 and led the side back to the top tier of non-League football in 2011 after relegation the previous season.

He had a stand at Stonebridge Road named after him last summer.

Ebbsfleet were relegated from Blue Square Bet Premier this season and owners, the MyFootballClub website, have been looking to sell the club due to financial difficulties.

"I have enjoyed eight wonderful years at Ebbsfleet," Daish said.

"Obviously relegation was a major disappointment, but the financial problems off the pitch did not help.

"I am pleased that the club will now have owners that will stabilise the financial position of the club and hopefully take it forward.

"I must thank all the players who played for me at my time at the club as well as all the backroom and office staff.

"Above all I must thank the supporters who have always backed me. I hope this is the start of better times ahead for the club."