PORTLAND legend Gary Bailey and coach Mark Carter will take interim charge of the Blues, the club has confirmed.

Portland are without a permanent manager after previous boss Callum Brooks quit on Sunday following a poor start to the new season.

Without a win this campaign, the islanders have been knocked out of all three cup competitions, collecting just one league point.

The Blues are pressing on through a transitional phase and the club has called upon the experienced Bailey, who led the club to three titles in his famed stint as boss.

Back in 2018, Bailey fulfilled the position of interim boss after the departure of Simon Browne.

Bailey will now have to juggle his work on the touchline with behind-the-scenes responsibilities as interim chairman.

In a statement, the Blues said: "We are all disappointed that things have not worked out for Callum as we would all have wanted them too and we wish him all the very best for the future.

"The committee are now very busy assessing the managerial options and they will be looking to make an appointment in the near future.

"However, the Covid issue is having a huge effect on sports clubs like PUFC and as part of this, the club are taking this opportunity to review Portland United FC’s short, medium and longer term plans and will be looking to make an appointment that is consistent with the club's aspirations, providing successful and sustainable football at the newly named Camp & Satherley Stadium.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors and supporters for their continued support in these difficult times.

"We would also like to thank the players who have had a difficult start to the season and now face a tough challenge this Saturday, away to a strong Fareham side.

"The team will be managed by Gary Bailey and Mark Carter in the interim, until a new appointment can be made.

"These are difficult times both on and off the pitch and we would just ask everyone to be patient whilst the club considers all options and appoints a new manager, to take the club forward in a positive manner."

Portland visit Fareham Town on Saturday (3pm).