CHAIRMAN Lee Harding knows what Braintree Town are looking for with their next managerial appointment.

For the fourth time in the last five years the Iron will be spending part of their summer searching for a new manager.

The Iron have had to begin the hunt for a new boss after the announcement that Danny Searle had stepped down from his role as first team manager and his subsequent appointment - just 24 hours later - as manager of Aldershot Town.

Searle had only been in the Braintree job since January when he took the reins after stepping up from the assistant manager's position in the wake of the departure of boss Hakan Hayrettin to join Maidstone United.

His leaving has left Braintree facing another summer of managerial and player upheaval and Harding is disappointed to be starting another search after feeling that Searle would be the man to lead the club next year.

The chairman said he had no shortage of worthy applicants looking to be the next one at the helm, but he knows what he and his fellow board members are looking for this time.

He said: "We are starting the process as we always do, looking at applications, reviewing them and putting together a shortlist as we have done for the last 17 years.

"What we are looking for is someone who has the club's best interests at heart.

"We want someone who wants to take us forward and work with us.

"We will see what comes out in the next few days and we'll be looking to interview next week.

"There is a board meeting scheduled for the first Thursday in June and I expect that an announcement will be made then.

"We have had lots of applications so far and a wide range of people from those who have done well on FIFA 18 to experienced managers who have worked at our level and above.

"So we are not going to struggle to appoint a manager, but what we are hoping for is stability with our next appointment."

Searle oversaw six wins and a draw from his 16 games in charge, including wins against Vanarama National League promotion finalists Salford City and AFC Fylde and a 0-0 draw at champions Leyton Orient on the last day of the season.

However, that wasn't enough for Braintree to preserve their place in the top flight of English non-league football and they finished the campaign sat in 22nd position - 11 points from safety.

In a statement, Searle said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the board for the opportunity and support throughout my time with the club.

"I wish you the very best for the future and will help in anyway possible to ensure a smooth transition."

Harding added: "I'd like to thank Danny for his four months at the club - he gave it his best shot and some of the results and performances will live long in the memory.

"Danny will always be welcome and we wish him the best of luck in his new role."

The managerial position has been advertised, with interested parties invited to submit CVs by email to chairman@braintreetownfc.org.uk