Ebbsfleet United took the Vanarama National League South by storm last season, marching towards the title with 103 points and 110 league goals.
The Fleet will now be playing in the National League for the first time since their relegation in 2020. But will they have a successful season?
It has to be said that before their relegation three years ago, the Kent-based outfit had a successful few years in non-league’s Premier Division. In 17/18, their first season back at this level, they finished in sixth place and secured a play-off spot, but were beaten by Tranmere Rovers in the semi-final. Their subsequent campaign was also positive, despite missing out on the play-offs by seven points, finishing in eighth place.
In the curtailed season of 19/20, the Fleet were relegated on points-per-game by the tightest of margins, putting an end to their three-season stay, before coming extremely close to returning to the National League in 21/22. However, in the play-off final, they lost to Dorking Wanderers – ensuring they would spend another season in the sixth tier.
After several unlucky campaigns, they shone last season. Helped by prolific 35-goal marksman Dominic Poleon, Ebbsfleet charged towards the title and sealed promotion with several games remaining.
This summer’s recruitment will be integral to see how next season could pan out.
Poleon, who was key in their promotion-winning season, has opted to stay at the Kuflink Stadium for another season. This piece of business was key for Ebbsfleet who will rely on the 30-year-old to lead the line next season.
However, Christian N’Guessan has signed for Sky Bet League Two side Sutton United, and Jack Paxman has also left for Eastbourne Borough. In other business, Jack Wakely signed on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, and Billy Clifford, Harrison Firth and Shaquille Coulthirst have all been retained for the forthcoming season. Reassuringly, Toby Edser, Franklin Domi, Luke O’Neill, Omari Sterling-James and Josh Wright have also penned new deals, as well as Chris Solly, Chris Tanner, Joe Martin and Greg Cundle.
Rakish Bingham, who netted on 14 occasions last season, will be remaining in Kent. Possibly their best piece of business though was retaining manager Dennis Kutrieb, who will be the only overseas manager in the National League next season.
As pre-season approaches, we can expect to see more signings. Ebbsfleet have a very good spine, particularly in the final third, which will cause problems for opposing defences next season.
The striking duo of Poleon and Bingham will most likely be where their goals come from but only time will tell whether they will be a success in the National League.
But how do you think the Fleet will fair in the fifth tier next season?
