Out-of-contract midfielder Josh Wright wants new deal at Ebbsfleet United so he can help club become a force in National League

Ebbsfleet midfielder Josh Wright wants to lead the club in the National League next season.

The 34-year-old is one of 12 players currently out of contract at Stonebridge Road but he’s not hiding the fact that he is keen to stay.

Captain Wright proved an inspirational leader in the second half of the campaign as the Fleet escaped relegation.

“I love the place and staying up really did mean the world to me,” said Wright. “I'm out of contract but I feel fit and strong.

“The numbers show that on the data and the stats, where there's no hiding nowadays. I missed one game this year through feeling really ill when I just couldn't get out of bed.

“Other than that I think I've played every single league game. It's not in my hands, it's in the club's hands and the gaffer (Danny Searle) and Damian (Irvine, chief executive).

“I think they know how much I enjoy it here, I hope the fans know that. If I can continue playing, then I'd love to be a football player at Ebbsfleet again next season.

“If I'm back I'd love to push this club onto the next level or really establish this team in the division and become a force.”

Read more: Ibe heads list of eight players released

Wright looks a natural leader on the pitch for the Fleet, taking on the captain’s armband for the second half of the season with Chris Solly restricted mainly to coaching duties.

Just like team-mate Mark Cousins, staying up was even better than winning National League South 12 months earlier for Wright.

“This season was a bigger achievement given where we were in January, and how difficult this division is,” stated Wright.

“The feeling felt better at Boreham Wood and I don't mean that in any disrespectful way to National League South or what we did last year because