Ebbsfleet United defender Chris Solly keen to carry on playing despite being bitten by the coaching bug

Experienced Ebbsfleet defender Chris Solly is no rush to hang up his boots.

The former Charlton right-back has been given a new lease of life in the middle of a three-man backline at Stonebridge Road.

He was an integral part of the squad that waltzed their way to the National League South title and is keen to carry on playing for as long he can.

“I’m really enjoying my coaching side of things but nothing beats playing,” said the 32-year-old, who played more than 300 times for Charlton after making his debut in the Championship at the end of the 2008/09 season.

“To have another successful season, play lots of games again, I love it. There’s no better buzz of playing and nothing compares to that feeling of three points.

“I broke through quite early as a kid, played a few games then and people think I’m older than I am.

“A few of the lads at Ebbsfleet think I’m the same age as the older ones here but I’ve got a couple of years on them still!”

Solly is working his way through his coaching badges. He’s not putting any timescales on future plans but is happy to carry on learning from working closely alongside Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb.

“I didn’t really think about it when I was younger but four or five of the lads I was playing with at the time went on the B licence so I thought it was the perfect time to jump on with them,” said Solly.

“I did it and absolutely loved it, more than I ever thought I would to be honest.

“I went on to my A licence a couple of years later and I’m just completing that now. It’s definitely something I will look into when I stop playing, I’m not sure how long that will be but at the minute I feel fit, I love playing and I’ll go as long as I can.

“Like I’ve said all along, I love all aspects of the