For the fourth time in the last five years Braintree Town will spent part of their summer searching for a new manager.

The Iron have begun the hunt for a new boss after the announcement that Danny Searle had stepped down from his role as first team manager.

Searle had only been in the 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.

He 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 on the club website, 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."

No announcement has been made about where Searle will be heading after his Iron departure, however, Vanarama National League South play-off semi-finalists Wealdstone are one potential destination as they are still looking for a new manager after parting company with Bobby Wilkinson just over a week ago.

The Iron statement said Braintree chairman Lee Harding was disappointed to see Searle leave, but wished him well for the future.

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 club are now beginning their search for a replacement with immediate effect.

It will not be an unfamiliar process, with the summer of 2018 being the only closed season when Braintree have not had to appoint a new manager in the last five years since Alan Devonshire left at the end of the 2014/15 campaign.

In that spell, Danny Cowley was appointed in the summer of 2015, Jamie Day in 2016, Brad Quinton in 2017 and now a successor to Searle will have to be installed.

Whoever takes charge will lead the team in the second tier of non-league football.

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