Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb reacts to keeping Chris Solly as player-coach

Ebbsfleet boss Dennis Kutrieb admitted he’d have been “stupid” not to have retained Chris Solly as player-coach for the coming season.

Solly proved a positive link between the management and playing squad last season as he took his first steps into the world of coaching.

The former Charlton defender made a big impression at Stonebridge Road, especially on his new manager.

“Chris impressed me massively and he enjoyed it, he was a huge help for me,” said Kutrieb.

“We’d be stupid not to have him in that kind of role again. He played a great season and did a good job, there’s no reason for me to change it as it worked well.

“If you see that players trust you and you trust them that’s good, but to share your thoughts and why you make big decisions is a big insight for a player to get from a manager.

“I’m always open in my thoughts, as you know as well, I’ve got nothing to hide in football.

“We talk about football, it’s a lovely game in general and why shouldn’t I share my thoughts and my experiences?

“Players like Chris Solly appreciate that and he is trying to grow and learn. I appreciate him as well so it’s a win-win situation.

“He might have an advantage when he starts to be a manager one day and takes on a managerial role somewhere. He can only benefit from this time with us and if I can help him in any way when that day comes then I’d always pick up the phone to him.”

Kutrieb was particularly pleased to see an improvement in Solly’s performance levels during the season.

It showed the Fleet boss that a player who had spent several seasons in the Football League was still willing to learn and improve his game.

“That’s been one of the big rewards for me personally in the last year,” explained Kutrieb.

“When I can see Chris