Ebbsfleet have sacked manager Dennis Kutrieb after plunging back into the National League relegation zone.

The Fleet lost 1-0 at bottom side Oxford City last Saturday and that proved the final act for the 44-year-old German who has been in charge for three-and-a-half years.

Kutrieb’s departure comes just nine months after he guided the Fleet to a record-breaking title-winning season in National League South – the club’s fifth league title in 77 years.

First-team coach Chris Franks has also left his post, which presumably leaves player/coach Chris Solly in caretaker charge although the club are yet to confirm if that is the case.

A Fleet statement said: “The difficult decision comes following the defeat on Saturday to Oxford City, and heading into a crucial final three months of the National League campaign and 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 in 2022/23.

“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 in 2023/24 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.

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

Ebbsfleet initially prospered in the National League this season – winning four of their first seven games. But the team has struggled since then, winning just once in 14 games from the start of October to the end of December.

They beat Wealdstone earlier this month, despite a largely defensive approach to that game, and then won at Maidenhead last midweek. But they’ve lost both games to Oxford City - the team they were promoted alongside - and failed to score a goal.

Ebbsfleet also suffered cup exits to lower-league opposition this season. They lost 2-0 at Slough in a replay in the FA Cup in October and were dumped out of the FA Trophy at home by Bishop’s Stortford in December.

Kutrieb won lots of plaudits for his open and attacking style of football having joined the Fleet in 2020. His early months were in the backdrop of the Covid pandemic but he immersed himself into the non-league scene.

After losing the National League South play-off to Dorking Wanderers in May 2022, the Fleet bounced back in style by winning the league title by 20 points last season.

However, the step up to the National League has proved a tough one. Kutrieb struggled to find the right pattern of play, formation or combination of players in recent months and it’s been that inability to get results on the pitch that has ultimately proved his downfall. He won just four of his last 24 league matches in charge.

Always approachable and never one to shy away from a subject, Kutrieb should be remembered as a success from his time at Ebbsfleet. But only the players he leaves behind can now ensure that the club retain their National League status or they will start next season back where they were when the German took charge.

Ebbsfleet begin life without Kutrieb in front of the television cameras this Saturday when they host Oldham at Stonebridge Road, kick-off 5.30pm, on TNT Sports.