Ebbsfleet United manager Danny Searle returns to Aldershot for the first time since being sacked in September 2021 for National League game

Ebbsfleet manager Danny Searle makes his first return to Aldershot on Tuesday night since being axed by the club more than two years ago.

The Fleet visit play-off chasing Aldershot in the National League aiming to extend their unbeaten record under Searle.

The 45-year-old managed Aldershot for two years before he was sacked in September 2021 but he doesn’t place any extra significance on this game.

“It's not about me, it’s about the players and at the end of the day my job is just to prepare them to win a football match, whether it’s Aldershot, Beckenham or Halifax,” stressed Searle.

“That was a long time ago. From my perspective when I left, I wished everyone well and I still do.

“I’m sure there will be some familiar faces when I go back but I’m Ebbsfleet manager and my job is to focus on Ebbsfleet.

“There will be no personal stuff from me, it’s about making sure we keep our run going.”

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Aldershot sit in the play-off places and have lost just three times at home so far.

“They’re having a great season and credit to Tommy Widdrington for what he’s done with the team,” said Searle.

“They play some great football and have some talented lads so we know it’s going to be tough.

“They’re a play-off team but our focus is on us and we need to give a good account ourselves.”

Ebbsfleet were without a league game on Saturday while Aldershot moved above Oldham into fifth after beating them 2-0 at home.