Ebbsfleet United name former Gillingham defender Max Ehmer as their new captain ahead of National League South season

Ebbsfleet boss Josh Wright has named his new captain but wants other leaders to emerge within his squad - and beyond.

It’s no surprise that Wright has installed Max Ehmer as club captain, the 33-year-old centre-back was captaining Gillingham in League 2 at the turn of the year.

But Wright wants every member of the playing squad to lead the way, along with members of his backroom staff.

“I'm a big believer of, yes, one player wears the armband but you need 11 leaders on the pitch and you need your leaders in with you in your dugout,” said Wright.

“That's your staff and that's your subs and that's your squad as well.

“Let me tell you now, no team is successful with just one captain or just the 11 players on the pitch.

“You need everyone. You need a whole football club. And that's what I'm trying to drive into the boys. I need everyone.

“But obviously, with Max, someone of his calibre, someone of his experience and his ways and his personality, he'll be a big one for us.”

Ehmer is a classy addition for Ebbsfleet in National League South. He left Gillingham at the end of last season after 439 games for the club, putting him sixth on their all-time appearance list.

Wright added: “Max is a leader. He's a very experienced pro. I know what he's like. I know what his character's like.

“We get different leaders. Some are vocal. Some just lead from the front. Some have got a way of doing it. Some just have that stature.

“Max will be a top captain. That's the way we're looking to go in terms of Max with the armband. But I've got many players who could wear it as well.

“I've got a lot of experience, a lot of leaders within the team. That was a big part of my recruitment. So, when or if it's not Max, there's many others that could