We're heading into a two-week spell that could well prove to be the pivotal period in Braintree Town's season.

It really could be a fortnight that decides whether they stay in the National League beyond the end of the campaign or return swiftly to the second tier.

I know that's a big statement considering the Iron don't have a game until November 17, but I don't think it's an unfair one.

Following the 1-0 defeat at Aldershot on Saturday, the club's board have a big decision to make - who is going to be their new permanent manager?

A two-week hiatus in action - thanks to the side's early demise from the FA Cup - gives everyone a chance to catch breath and ponder the next move forward.

It's been almost a month to the day that Brad Quinton departed as Iron boss and a hectic month has ensued.

In came Hakan Hayrettin to take the helm and despite some initial negativity expressed on social media, you have to say he's done a cracking job.

OK, there was that FA Cup defeat at Barnet that means we're sitting on the sidelines this weekend while others are in first round action, but the rest of Hakan's caretaker spell has proved largely successful.

He has made no secret of the fact that he'd like the job full-time, returning for a second stint in permanent charge, and leading the team to take seven points from a possible 12 from four league outings has been impressive.

As job interviews go, I've seen far worse!

Hakan knows there is some real National League level talent in Braintree's squad and told me that all he wanted to do was get the players believing in themselves.

The end result at Aldershot was disappointing on Saturday, but the display through much of that game wasn't.

Then there was the astonishing display at high-flying Salford, the determination to win a six-pointer against Dover and the resilience shown at Bromley and it's clear that the players have responded positively to Hakan's guidance.

But is that enough to earn him the job full-time?

Had they won at Aldershot then I'd say a resounding yes, but the board have some thinking to do as they decide which is the best way forward for the club.

Chairman Lee Harding has told me that he has been impressed by the quality of applicants since advertising for the full-time job and the fact that they have revealed the £40,000 salary attached to the position has helped bring in some notable CVs.

Sometimes, though, being in possession of the position puts you ahead of the pack and Hakan will surely feel he's still in prime position to take charge.

The board have to be impressed by what he's done so far.

I remember writing a couple of weeks ago that the appointment of Hakan as caretaker boss could be inspired as I felt he was exactly the type of interim manager they needed - someone with experience and contacts at National League level.

And I'm sure he can keep making an impact if he is the club's choice.

He has clearly already formed a bond with the players; that's been shown in performances over the last month and that's a huge consideration.

Hakan will also have a freer hand to mould the squad how he wants to than he did when he came in as Iron boss in his previous time at the club in the autumn of 2016 as player contracts aren't as rigidly in place as they were back then.

However, is that the way the board sees it?

Has he done enough?

They are interesting questions and the club now has a handy little spell to ponder them and make a choice.

They'll want someone in place for the home game - in front of the TV cameras - against Solihull Moors on November 17 and the days between now and then will possibly have a crucial bearing on how the season progresses.