Ebbsfleet are the West Brom of non-league football. The Kent side have become synonymous with relegation and promotion, bouncing between the National League and National League South like a seesaw. After a dismal season in the National League, where they won only three games and finished 22 points adrift, they’re back in the South. A far cry from their former glories, but they now aim for an immediate return under Josh Wright, who took over in December and managed to secure 15 points from that point onward.
It looks like a full reset is in order for Ebbsfleet, with only six senior players retained under contract, and discussions about the future of a few others still ongoing. A number of key players have already moved on. Rakish Bingham and Dominic Poleon joined Farnborough, while Kwame Thomas has signed for Aldershot. Though those departures will sting, Fleet fans won’t be losing sleep over the exits of the other players who have left the club.
A complete overhaul comes with the need for experience, and Wright has made some strong signings to bolster his squad. Max Ehmer (33), Ben Coker (36), Kwesi Appiah (34), and Jake Hessenthaler (31) were amongst the first players through the door.
Appiah, a product of the Fleet academy, returns after a stellar season in which he scored 24 goals and helped Boreham Wood win the National League South playoffs.Ehmer, a Gillingham legend, reunites with Wright, and his leadership will be invaluable at this level.Coker arrives after a spell with National League champions Barnet and brings creativity and stamina from full-back.Hessenthaler, who had a rough time at Dagenham and Redbridge, will be hoping that a fresh start at Ebbsfleet can help him rediscover his best form.
In addition to these experienced heads, Wright has also targeted players in their prime with solid experience at this level.
The signing of Josh Coley (26) from Sutton United is particularly eye-catching. There were expectations that the pacey winger would leave Sutton for a National League playoff contender or even an EFL club, so for him to drop down to Ebbsfleet represents a real coup.Gene Kennedy (22) was a standout player in a struggling Welling side last season and looks like another smart addition to the Fleet.Jamie Fielding, after departing Tonbridge Angels, also joins as a centre-back who could’ve easily played higher up, but Ebbsfleet’s ambition won out.Finlay Barnes (24), who turned down a contract extension at Kings Lynn to make the move to Kufflink Stadium, is another significant addition. With over 250 senior appearances, Barnes brings valuable energy to the wing.Ronny Nelson, a 6’5” defender from Tonbridge, will add height and strength to the back line.
If Ebbsfleet had this squad last season, I’m confident they would’ve stayed up. There’s a good mix of experience and players in their prime, with several ready to make the step up should Ebbsfleet secure promotion. However, despite the impressive new signings, the sheer volume of turnover in the squad and the inexperience in the dugout means they may be a little short for a serious title push this season. There’s potential, but I’m not convinced they’ll be able to challenge for the top spot just yet.
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