Ebbsfleet United chief executive Damian Irvine to leave the club after six and a half years

Ebbsfleet United have announced that chief executive Damian Irvine is leaving the club.

His final game will be the FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Maidenhead tomorrow (Saturday), the same away ground where he watched his first game as Fleet CEO in March 2020.

Irvine has guided the Fleet through Covid, a record-breaking National League South title win and, most recently, a change of ownership during an eventful spell at Stonebridge Road.

“I've been genuinely privileged to be part of this wonderful football club, and I've always put its best interests, and those of its supporters, first,” said Irvine.

“As the club moves into a new ownership model, it’s been a busy and testing period for everyone involved to arrive at a positive and optimistic outcome, and it’s now a natural time for a transition for the club at daily operational and leadership level.

“I'm proud of my years with the club, and never more so than these last few weeks - steering us towards new ownership and securing the National League's satisfaction for us to resume playing. Witnessing the tenacity and spirit of every player, staff member and supporter, all absolutely focused on a successful outcome for this club, has been inspiring, and the result is well deserved.

“As the club welcomes (new owner) John O'Leary to the club, his enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the club through the past month should give everyone confidence that Ebbsfleet United is in good hands, with a bright future ahead.”

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New Ebbsfleet chairman John O’Leary said: “On behalf of the new ownership, I’d like to thank Damian sincerely for his outstanding