Joint managers Sean Gregan and Brian Atkinson have left National League club Darlington just after five days in charge.

The duo, who were teammates during their Football League days, departed as a result of “conflict of interest” involving former club manager Martin Gray, who has moved to rivals York City.

A Darlington statement while confirming the new development read: “Following consultation with the National League and the boards of Darlington FC and the Darlington FC Supporters Group, Brian has been told that he must stand down.”

The Darlington FC Supporters Group added: “The DFCSG board have been fully consulted over the last few days and are satisfied that the decisions are in the best interests of Darlington Football Club.

“It’s highly unfortunate that the opportunity for them to be joint managers of Darlington has been taken away from them by circumstances outside their control.” the Group further stated.

Senior players Phil Turnbull and Gary Brown will take over from the joint managers for now.

The five days spent by the joint managers is however not the shortest managerial reign in football.Leroy Rosenior was Torquay United’s manager for 10 minutes in 2007 before he was sacked after new owners bought the club.