Braintree Town have said that they will be appointing a caretaker manager while they advertise for a replacement for departed boss Brad Quinton.

Quinton left his managerial role, a move which club chairman Lee Harding has said in a statement today was by mutual consent, in the wake of Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Eastleigh.

It was a result that left Braintree still bottom of the Vanarama National League table after 15 games and Harding said that a caretaker manager would be appointed at the start of this week in the interim period before a permanent appointment was made.

Braintree have an Essex Senior Cup third round tie against Canvey Island at Cressing Road on Tuesday and then travel to National League leaders Salford City on Saturday.

Harding said the caretaker boss would take the helm this week while the club's board took time in assessing who would be the best person to take them forward.

He said: "What the board are looking for is someone to work with us as we strive to consolidate at this level once again and be part of our ambitious plans for the future."

The chairman added that a meeting would take place with staff and players ahead of Tuesday's Senior Cup game.

Meanwhile, Harding said in a statement on the club's website that he was disappointed that Quinton had departed after the club's record appearance maker as a player had returned and led them to promotion from the National League South in his first season at the helm last year.

The statement said: "A sad day for the club, but we felt it was time for a change.

"Brad has done well for us as both a player and manager - being involved in three promotions in 11 years - we thank him for his contribution, he knows he will always be welcome at Cressing Road.

"We feel we backed Brad as best we could, even allowing him to bring in another new player (Jake Cass) on Friday.

"The board has never interfered in the manager's selection of players, but we must operate within our means."

"Even as late as the last 20 minutes on Saturday, I was hoping that we would be able to turn our season around and give ourselves a chance.

"Yes, the club could have continued down the path we have for the first 15 matches, but we were not confident that we would turn our season around.

"Time will tell if a change brings an improvement in our fortunes, but we felt we at least have to try."