Step up to National League holds no fear for Ebbsfleet United, says captain Chris Solly

Ebbsfleet captain Chris Solly insists the squad are excited by the challenge of playing National League football next season.

The Fleet will rub shoulders with non-league's biggest clubs and it's a prospect they are ready to embrace.

Wrexham may have moved up to League 2 but the likes of Southend, Oldham and Rochdale, plus either Chesterfield or Notts County, will be visiting Stonebridge Road.

"We’re going into the league excited by what we can achieve next season," said Solly.

"It's going to be a new challenge for us, we’re going to be playing against better players, better teams, but the way we’ve played this season it’s not something we’re going to fear.

"It’s almost like a League 3 now, I’ve heard quite a few people say that and it’s true. You look at the top end of that league, five or six of them are proper, proper clubs.

"You’ve seen the records Wrexham and Notts County have set - at least one of them has gone and hopefully Notts will be gone as well.

"The thought of going to these places now is exciting. The lads we’ve got in the dressing room are going to love that and look forward to it more than anything. I’m excited to go and play again at a higher level."

Manager Dennis Kutrieb will be keen to add players with EFL experience to his squad in the coming weeks.

It should add to a blend that worked perfectly in their National League South title-winning campaign, according to Solly.

"I think we’ve got a really good mix in the dressing room," he explained. "We’ve got a few experienced lads who have played at a higher level, know the game.

"Then we’ve got other lads at a great age, top players who haven’t played at the level they deserve to - the likes of Greg Cundle, Toby Edser, I think those boys are going to