Carshalton Athletic chairman Paul Dipre has already recruited a new manager, just hours after announcing the sacking of Matt Howard.

Chris McGinn will take up the reins for this weekend's Ryman Division One South visit of Chatham Town.

The Robins sit four points off the play-offs, but it was not enough to keep Howard in a job.

It is a tough task at Colston Avenue for a manager, with the previous five lasting an average of 36 matches.

Tommy Williams (56) is the longest serving in the past four seasons, followed by Stuart Massey (44), Howard (38), Phil Scantlebury (25) and Ian Hazel (18).

Football: Carshalton Athletic boss stunned by sacking

The chairman's statement read: "Chris is a highly experienced coach, a registered FA tutor, mentor and assessor and runs the national deaf football team.

"Chris has coached at the highest level and worked with players such as Dennis Bergkamp, Fabrice Muamba, Jack Wiltshire, Bobby Zamora, Raheem Sterling and coaches Liam Brady, David Platt, Don Howe, Sven Goran Eriksson and Martin Jol.

"His primary brief is to improve the performance of the first team and develop the quality we undoubtedly have in the squad.

"Chris will also play a part in the Carshalton Athletic development teams from U16s to the reserves to help our ambitions towards home grown players."