Ebbsfleet United: Ten players leave Stonebridge Road but Chris Solly stays in a first-team player-coach role

EBBSFLEET UNITED have announced eight players are to be released once their current contracts have concluded at the end of the season as it was originally scheduled in May.

Iffy Allen, Greg Cundle, James Dobson, Jake Goodman, Reece Grant, Tom Hadler, Josh Payne and Charlie Rowan have all played their last game for the Stonebridge Road outfit.

“With the decision last Friday finally ending any hope of competitive fixtures resuming in the Vanarama National League South, the club advised players this week if they are not being tabled an offer for next season in order to provide clarity as early as possible,” said a club statement.

“This has been a disrupted season which ended prematurely and unfortunately didn’t afford players the usual time and number of fixtures to settle and display a full season of form.

“The club board, management and staff would like to place on record their thanks for the efforts and commitment of all the players during a season which presented unprecedented challenges, and to acknowledge their professionalism and character throughout in wishing all players the best of luck in the future.”

Loanees Joe Taylor (striker) and (goalkeeper) Giosue Bellagambi have also returned to their parent clubs, Cray Wanderers and Huddersfield Town respectively.

“As and when other current squad players are confirmed as having agreed terms throughout the course of the coming weeks and months, we will of course keep our supporters informed at the earliest opportunity,” added the statement.

Meanwhile, the club have also confirmed that former Charlton Athletic stalwart, Chris Solly, has signed a new deal until the end of next season.

Solly spent 11 years in the first team at The Valley and won two promotions to the Championship and two player-of-the-year awards there, initially joined the Fleet on a short-term arrangement in mid-December.

In addition to his playing duties, Solly who turned 30 in January – will also take on a first-team coaching role, assisting the club in specialist coaching and scouting areas.

Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb told the club website: “Like Lee Martin, Chris has come in with experience at a very high level.

"We have the right environment here, he has enjoyed being here and getting his fitness back with the facilities we have provided.

"Now we are seeing what he can do on the pitch too and I am very happy he is here for the long-term because what he can provide on the pitch and off it will be very beneficial to Ebbsfleet United in 2021/22.”

Solly made five appearances for The Fleet during the 2020-21 campaign.

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