Read what Ben Clasper had to say in his programme notes ahead of our FA Cup clash with Margate from the weekend.

Tuesday night was a mix of emotions. I have never in my life wanted to see a game won as much as I did that match because I wanted it so badly for the players. This is a special squad and one more than deserving of the confidence and enthusiasm I heard from the fans as it slowly came together in the summer and went on show in pre-season what it was capable of delivering. That hasn’t yet transferred into our form in the league but I am confident it will.

On paper it may have seemed there was little difference between our last two games, two 3-1 defeats against struggling opponents in which we fell behind, deserved to pull level, looked like we would build on and go on to win only to fall away and succumb to two more goals in the second half. But of course there was a world of difference between them. The second was our first game without Gavin as manager and no matter what your opinion was about his position before he left that was tough for everyone to go through. Having read many of your messages and comments there were three remarkably consistent themes, firstly that Gavin is a legend and has achieved so much, secondly that people are sad to see him go but thirdly that it felt like the right time which I hope means his legacy will forever be intact.

The differences were not just in the dugout, I thought that on the pitch and on the terraces the similarities between those two defeats ended with the score line. By the end I didn’t think we deserved anything out of the game at Tonbridge but that wasn’t the case on Tuesday and I thought the support reflected that. It was the most miserable night I can remember with the heavens opening shortly before kick off and not letting up until the final whistle, forcing fans to find shelter wherever they could but if clothes were dampened spirits were not. But a change in manager is not a magic wand, ultimately we made mistakes and they cost us but mistakes can be put right and talent and effort will prevail in time.

I have huge admiration and respect for Jack Holland and Danny Mills for stepping in for one game following the departure of the coaching team and we have already outlined our plan to the players for an interim head coach to take charge before today’s game and to see us through the period during which we will select and appoint a permanent replacement. Once the decision was taken on Gavin’s position I was not prepared to string things out while we lined up a replacement, I have always been open and honest and whilst I know there is a harsh reality about what goes on behind the scenes in football as managers are unveiled within days or even hours of a departure that’s not me and I hope it’s not this football club. I know that has created more uncertainty for players than I would like so our job now is to limit any further disruption and strike the right balance between taking the time to make the correct decision and moving forward as quickly as possible.

I’d like to thank everyone for their support in the past few days, it has meant a lot but I am acutely aware that there are many more people who have to come to terms with more than I do with this, people that we consider part of our family and I know I can rely on everyone to show their support to those that have left and I sincerely hope that in time we will get a chance to do that in person.

I am though also aware that football doesn’t stop (except for last Saturday apparently, about which I think enough has already been said elsewhere) and we now have to be professional and turn the page so that those who have jobs to do on and off the pitch are set up for success. The players deserve our support and so please continue to show up for them as I can tell you they notice, they see and hear more than you may think and you have the ability to inspire teams to success.

This week we have a break from the league with the visit of Margate in the FA Cup today followed by Athletic Newham here on Tuesday in the London Senior Cup. New competitions bring new opportunities to start over and there’s nothing like a cup tie to add a little bit of extra buzz. So here’s to starting over.