Ebbsfleet United sign 21-year-old forward Olly Box from rivals Dartford

Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright has added Dartford’s Olly Box to his new-look squad.

It’s a fifth new addition at Stonebridge Road as the Fleet look to win promotion from National League South next season.

Forward Box left the Darts after turning down a new, improved contract to stay at the Isthmian Premier club.

The lure of full-time football with Ebbsfleet proved too much to turn down.

Dartford are entitled to a transfer fee for the 21-year-old, but that could be decided by a tribunal as the two clubs are yet to come to an agreement.

A Dartford statement said: “Despite manager Ben Greenhalgh offering him a new, vastly improved deal, Olly made his intentions clear that he wanted to leave for full-time football and to take a new direction at this point in his career.

“Olly will be sorely missed by all at the club. He has been a huge fan favourite since bursting onto the scene, scoring over 30 goals in the seasons since and ending this season with the golden boot among his awards. His family have become firm fixtures at the club and we wish them all the best for the future, with the knowledge they will always be welcome back.”

Dartford boss Ben Greenhalgh said: “I was looking forward to working with Olly again after the three years in the academy and I have stayed in close contact ever since.

“Unfortunately, this was a decision he made last season with the goal of playing full-time at this stage of his career.

“While obviously disappointed in the decision, we wish him all the best and I’ve been glad to have played a part in his footballing career.”

Box becomes the fifth new face at Ebbsfleet this summer, following deals for Harvey Walker, Aramide Oteh, Camron Gbadebo and Danny Ogunleye.

Box is in line for a swift return to