Ebbsfleet United striker Matt Godden earns move to League Two Stevenage

EBBSFLEET UNITED top scorer Matt Godden will not be plying his trade at Stonebridge Road next season after the 24-year-old agreed terms with League Two side Stevenage.

Having scored 30 goals in all competitions last season, Godden was hot property at the end of the season and returns to the Football League where the club wishes him all the best for his career.

Godden originally joined the Fleet in two loan spells from Scunthorpe United in 2012/13, scoring on his debut and continuing that form in further loan spells with Dartford and Tamworth.

He signed a permanent deal with the Fleet in the summer of 2014 and was top scorer in his first season despite missing numerous games through injury.

Last season, he hit several hat-tricks on his way to the runners-up spot in the National League South golden boot rankings and rocketed up the Fleet’s all-time goalscoring chart to finish 18th, with 47 career goals from 94 games.

Godden Tweeted: “This season has been one of many emotions. This summer has been a busy one for me and one full of difficult decisions.

“After a season of development and progression for me on a personal level I have come to the conclusion that I wish to play in the Football League and develop my skills even more.

“This choice hasn’t been made lightly and I can’t thank Daryl McMahon and Peter Varney enough for all their support and belief in me.

“Ebbsfleet will always feel like home to me and I will watch on as I see the success you are bound to achieve with the fantastic team you have both on and off the pitch.

“Thanks to the Ebbsfleet family and fans for all you have done for me.”

The club have confirmed that midfielder Dean Rance will once again be wearing Fleet colours next season.

The 24-year-old will contest his fourth season at Stonebridge Road after arriving from Dover Athletic in the summer of 2013. The former Gillingham player, who has also featured for Maidstone United and Bishop’s Stortford on loan, has made 120 appearances for the Fleet, 44 of those during last season’s campaign.

He now becomes the Fleet’s most experienced player in terms of club appearances.

Rance told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “Delighted to have signed a new deal and want to thank the fans for their continued support these last couple of years. You’ve been terrific and really do make a difference. I hope next season we can finally give you lot what you deserve. I cannot wait to get started again as I’m sure you can’t!”

In other news, defender Bryan van den Bogaert will not be returning to the club next season as he has chosen to remain at home in Belgium for personal reasons. 

Manager Daryl McMahon is once again hard at work this week in player negotiations and further news will follow as soon as any deals are concluded.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk