Ebbsfleet United make the difficult decision to part company with title-winning manager Dennis Kutrieb

EBBSFLEET UNITED have parted company with their German-born title-winning manager Dennis Kutrieb and first-team coach Chris Franks.

The Stonebridge Road outfit are fourth-from-bottom in the Vanarama National League table, having picked up 30 points (eight wins, six draws and 17 defeats) this season.

“The difficult decision comes following the defeat on Saturday to Oxford City and heading into a crucial final three months of the Vanarama National League campaign, the club’s number one priority is to maintain our status in the division after the memorable title win and promotion that Dennis and Chris delivered last season,” said a club statement.  

"Such decisions are never easy to make, especially off the back of such a remarkable and record-breaking previous season, but the status of the football club must always take priority and be foremost when making these big decisions.

“Unfortunately, our form and results this season have not reflected the sheer hard work and determination with which Dennis and Chris have approached every single minute of their time at Ebbsfleet United and the club has reached the difficult decision to part ways.

“Under the stewardship of Dennis and Chris, the club won its fifth league title, broke numerous records in doing so, reached The FA Cup First and Second Rounds, qualified for a promotion final and earned plaudits for the type of football on show.

“We cannot thank them enough for their service in their three-plus years at Stonebridge Road and we wish them all the very best in their future careers.”

Woking are above the relegation zone in the fifth-tier division with 30 points from 29 games.

The four sides in relegation trouble are Ebbsfleet United, AFC Fylde (29 points from 29 games), Kidderminster Harriers (29 points from 31 games) and Oxford City (27 points from 30 games).

The Fleet travel to sixth-placed side Oldham Athletic on Saturday 3 February (17:30).

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk