National League Ebbsfleet United appoint Danny Searle as manager to replace Dennis Kutrieb

Danny Searle has been appointed Ebbsfleet’s new manager on a permanent basis.

The former Aldershot and Braintree manager had been in temporary charge at Stonebridge Road following the sacking of title-winning Dennis Kutrieb at the end of last month.

Searle has guided the Fleet to two excellent points in their quest towards National League safety, having the better of a goalless draw with play-off chasing Oldham before becoming only the second team to return with a point from Chesterfield last Saturday - a game which saw the visitors have the better second-half chances.

While Searle himself will be the first to admit that those two results do not guarantee Ebbsfleet will avoid the drop, they’ve given the club renewed hope that they can climb out of the relegation zone.

Searle made no secret of his desire to take charge at Ebbsfleet on a permanent basis after being asked to provide a fresh voice to the squad following Kutrieb’s exit.

Speaking after the Oldham draw, Searle said: “I’ve made no bones about the fact that I’d love to manage this side.

“I know a few of the players as I’ve signed them at previous clubs and I know a lot of the lads as I’ve tried to sign them at previous clubs!

“It’s a great group and any manager, whether it’s me or somebody else, that gets hold of this group is inheriting a really good bunch of lads.”

Following last Saturday’s point at champions-elect Chesterfield, Searle wanted the club to make a decision sooner rather than later, and he’s now got his wish.

“I think the team needs some security now, some continuity. Whether it’s myself or a different manager, they need someone who is going to be with them until the end of the season now, and beyond,” he said.

“Like I’ve said to the club from my