Ebbsfleet United manager Josh Wright says squad’s resolve even stronger after off-field turmoil and delayed start to club’s National League South season

Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright believes the club’s off-field problems have made his squad an even tighter-knit group.

The Fleet missed the opening four weeks of the season after the National League suspended them over unpaid tax debts and concerns about their ability to finance the campaign.

But they finally got the green light to start playing last week and began the National League South season with a 2-0 win at Walton & Hersham on Saturday and a goalless draw at home to Hemel Hempstead on Tuesday night.

“We’ve come together,” said Wright. “If it was even possible, we’re together more than what we already were.

“I think the whole football club has come closer and we saw and felt that last Saturday.

“We’ve got a really good group here, a real togetherness within the group. If this could have brought us together even more, if it was ever possible, then great.

“I felt it and I felt emotional. But football has a funny way of working, doesn’t it? We’ve just got to keep our feet on the ground, keep focused, stay patient and keep building towards winning the next game.

“Let’s see what the rest of the season can hold. I was excited before we started playing and I’m excited now.

“I’m really proud of the group. There’s been some emotion and there’s been some moments. There’s been some frustration and worry.

“But these boys have come through it fantastically well, and it’s a credit to them and everyone associated with the club, as I keep saying.

“Take me out of it, everyone’s been fantastic during this tough period and long may that continue.”

The Fleet are five or six games behind teams in National League South and will probably be in the wrong half of the table for a few more weeks yet.

They will face a busy schedule with the