It’s no secret that Ebbsfleet United fans will be wiping this torrid season from their memories as soon as the final game has been played on the Fifth of May. The Fleet survived relegation on the final day of the 2023/24 season by two points, meaning expectations were fairly high for having a positive campaign under a highly-rated Danny Searle.
However, fourty-six games later, Ebbsfleet are on to their third manager of the season, winning just twice across the entire season. Josh Wright is United’s current manager, and is liked by many for his passionate team talks and upturn in performances, if not results. I expect Wright to be in charge of Ebbsfleet next season, as the club look to gain promotion straight back to The National League.
Following the clubs relegation back into The National League South, after a difficult two-year-stay in The National League Premier, I have challenged myself in writing a recruitment document for The Fleet, for the the Summer Transfer Window, in preparation for their attempt at gaining promotion straight back up.
So, let’s get into it!
|| Current players likely to stay ||
I spoke to @TheFleetZone on Twitter, about this part of my blog piece, he said that there is likely to be a large turnover of players in the Summer, with a couple likely to stay in The National League, others having a tough time with The Fleet, so will not be retained. Here are the players chosen to stay and a little bit on information/opinion from me..:
Mark Cousins // 38yo // GK
I think Josh Wright and Ebbsfleet are likely to recruit younger, hungrier players in the 2025 Summer Transfer Window, so retaining dressing room leaders such as Mark Cousins could be vital. His experience could be valuable for The Fleet next season, especially considering the former Colchester United goalkeeper was promoted from The National League South in 2022/23 with Ebbsfleet. The 38 year-old veteran has been a solid pair of hands for the last few seasons now and probably still has the ability and physical attributes to apply himself to a good standard in The National League South, either as a starter or backup.
Tom Dallison // 29 // LCB
For similar to reasons Mark Cousins, I believe that The Fleet are likely to retain central defender, Tom Dallison, due to his experiences at a higher level. The 29 year-old defender has never played as low as The National League South before, and could be a key player if Ebbsfleet are to return straight back up to Step One. He’s spent most of this season playing as a left-sided defender in a back five, which is where he could be utilised again next season.
Mustapha Olagunja // 23 // CB
Alongside some of the experience that Ebbsfleet will be looking to keep for their first season back in The National League South, they also have a couple of younger, hungry players who will be desperate to stay on and prove a point next season. One of these that I think is likely to stay, is 23 year-old, central defender, Mustaphu Olagunja. The former Huddersfield Town academy player has looked a bright player for The Fleet when called upon this season. He’s a physical monster with plenty of space and power who could dominate The National League South. After playing just over twenty times for Ebbsfleet this season, and a short spell in Step Two at Hemel Hempstead, Olagunja is surely wanting to stay at Ebbsfleet and become a regular starter.
Luke O’Neil // 33 // CB
Luke O’Neil is the third and final central defender I think Ebbsfleet will likely keep hold of for one more season, again, due to his experience and leadership in the backline. He’s unlikely to be a start for The Fleet in The National League South, especially as I think Wright will look to sign a new player for that right-sided defensive position, but his experience is so valuable. O’Neil has only played around twenty times for Ebbsfleet this season, mainly being utilised as right back or right-sided defender.
Josh Passley // 30 // RB/RWB
Right wingback is one of the few positions where Ebbsfleet probably won’t need to recruit anybody, unless a serious injury occurs during preseason. Josh Passley is another experienced player who has spent his career towards the bottom of the EFL and top of The National League. The 30 year-old wingback perfectly suits the way The Fleet will want to attack using their wide players next season; Great athlete and superb deliveries from out wide.
Elijah Anthony // 21 // RB/RWB
With Passley as their starting right wingback, it allows The Fleet to have one of their younger, more exciting talents to backup the former Fulham academy player. 21 year-old wingback, Elijah Anthony was signed by Ebbsfleet at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, before spending time on loan at Chatham Town and AFC Croydon, throughout the campaign. I think it’s likely that the former QPR youngster will feature more frequently for The Fleet next season, in a bid to develop the youngster into becoming a fantastic wingback.
Lewis Page || 28 || LB/LCB/LWB
The next player likely to stay at Ebbsfleet for next season, is the final defender of my retained list. Lewis Page, formally of some big EFL clubs such as Charlton and Coventry has struggled to find consistent minutes for The Fleet this season, due to injuries. The 28 year-old left back has played just sixteen times for The National League’s bottom side. I think he could be a good utility player for Ebbsfleet next season, bring some vital experience and versatility to their squad, being able to play as a left sided defender, left back, or left wingback.
Maxx Manktelow // 18 // CM
Maxx Manktelow is the second of three young players that I feel could make a huge impact at Ebbsfleet United next season, using a season in The National League South to develop and learn in senior football. Manktelow has broken through into The Fleet’s first team this season, playing 1000 minutes of senior football as an 18 year-old. The academy graduate has been utilised in many positions under Josh Wright, but will likely develop into an excellent deep midfielder as his career progresses. This is where I see him becoming a consistent appearance-maker for the club next season.
George Moncur // 31 // AM/CM
Despite the season being such a dark, negative episode in the clubs history, one MASSIVE positive was the announcement of star player, George Moncur, signing on a permanent deal from League One side, Leyton Orient. This was a real statement of intent from The Fleet, as the 31 year-old has impressed this season, even in a struggling Ebbsfleet side. He’s still got the technical ability to play in The National League, if not League Two, and will comfortably be one of the best players in the National League South next season.
Kymani Thomas // 21 // LW/RW/ST
After Elijah Anthony and Maxx Manktelow, Kymani Thomas is the third and final young player I will be focusing on and is likely to be retained by The Fleet for their 2025/26 season. Thomas has spent this season developing on loan at Waltham Abbey, where he has impressed due to his physicality, power and superb ball-carrying from a forward position. I’d be shocked if he was a starter for The Fleet next season but he could become a superb squad player, to make a great impact in the latter stages of games.
Aaron Cosgrave // 25 // ST
The final player that I believe Ebbsfleet United will retain for their attempt at gaining promotion straight back to The National League is Aaron Cosgrave, a player who has hit a spark of form in recent weeks, helping The Fleet pick up a few impressive results. The 25 year-old forward has scored nine times, assisting twice in just 35 appearances this season, starting on just 25 occasions. He may potentially stay in Step One, however, a season where he’d score twenty-plus goals could be attractive.
|| Dom Poleon + Toby Edser ||
Of course, Ebbsfleet United fans, staff and Josh Wright would love to keep both Dom Poleon and Toby Edser at the club for their 2025/26 National League South campaign, however, I have to stay as realistic as possible. I’d be shocked if either of these two are still at the club for their opening game of the season, as they will surely have interest from National League sides. Toby Edser is a wonderful midfield player who brings a calmness and composure to The Fleet’s midfield, due to his fantastic technical ability. Dom Poleon has struggled to get going this season but has previously proven his goalscoring qualities for the club, meaning his stock is probably high enough to stay in The National League.
|| Formation + Setup ||
The photo above is a blank, on-paper formation displaying the way Ebbsfleet are likely to set up next season, if Josh Wright is in charge. They are likely to play with high intensity, looking to create plenty of chances through the technical quality in midfield and the width, which will be held by the wingbacks. The two strikers are likely to be asked to play quite a complete role for The Fleet, having the responsibility to run into channels, creating space for the advanced midfielders to run into. There will be a clear focus on technical ability and athleticism when recruiting for the new season.
They will defend with three central defenders, protected by a positionally disciplined holding midfielder, given the role of shielding the back-three out of possession. In possession, the goalkeepers and defenders will be tasked with playing progressive passes and taking risks in possession. The holding midfielder will need to be able to pass the ball and receive with his back to goal.
In the following part of the recruitment document, I will be looking at specific profiles for each position where The Fleet need to strengthen, before giving a suggestion of a player for each position.
|| Positions + Profiles Needed ||
The photo above is a clear squad lineup, including the players that I believe Ebbsfleet are likely to retain for their 2025/26 season. The positions that I will be looking to recruit a player in have been labelled as “NEW” to make thing as clear as possible for you to read.
Backup Goalkeeper
As mentioned previously, I expect Mark Cousins to stay at Ebbsfleet for one final year, before the 38 year-old, veteran goalkeeper retires from professional football. I think he’s likely to be the starting goalkeeper, so The Fleet will need to sign a backup goalkeeper he can learn off of Cousins and be ready to play when called upon. The goalkeeper needs to be someone young, who can learn off of Cousins, before taking the Number One shirt in the next nine-to-twelve months. They need to be comfortable with the ball at their feet, aggressive off of their line and a strong shot-stopper.
Athletic Right-sided Defender
By retaining four central defenders, with a mixture of experience, athleticism and technical quality, I have allowed myself to only recruit one defender; a starter, who has the capability to play on the right side of a back-three. I will be looking to recruit a young defender with fantastic physical attributes such as pace, power and strength. They have to be excellent in possession to be capable of taking risks when on the ball. The final point of my criteria for this position was to find a player who can dominate and win their aerial duels, so they aren’t caught out from crosses or set-pieces.
Left Wingback
The third position I’ll be looking at recruiting is an athletic wingback with fantastic quality in wide areas, who can pick up assists from crosses, or cutbacks. I’d like them to be young, with National League South experience, so they are capable of dealing with some of the dangerous wingers in the division. The wingbacks are likely to be some of the most important positions on the pitch for Josh Wright, so finding a player who is comfortable in possession, who thrives in one-on-one’s when running at defenders is a must.
Holding Midfielder
Now for the most important position in this style; Finding a holding midfielder who is a tough-tackler, extremely aggressive into challenges and positionally disciplined to be able to protect the three defenders behind them. They also have to be capable in receiving the ball off of their defenders, often with their back to goal, being able to pass progressively and keep play ticking over. I’d like for my suggestion to have experience in The National League South but someone who is mobile enough to cover plenty of ground and play consistently throughout the season.
Advanced Midfielder(s) (2)
The midfield is where I will be doing most of my rebuilding of this Ebbsfleet United side, with The Fleet likely to keep just one senior midfielder (George Moncur) alongside the young Maxx Manktelow, a lot of work is needed, especially in the ‘Advanced Eight’ positions. I am looking for one experienced starter, to partner Moncur, and then a younger project, who can develop as a squad player. Players in this position have been extremely comfortable with receiving the ball in awkward areas, having a fantastic ball-carrying ability and be able to create chances consistently. Athleticism is not a key attribute for this position but they can’t be a slouch. If they carry a goal threat, that is an added bonus, alongside all of their other technical qualities.
Athletic Forward
With Aaron Cosgrave and Kymani Thomas, I think The Fleet only need to sign one forward this Summer, giving them three excellent options in the final third. As mentioned previously, the forward has to be athletically strong, powerful and quick; being able to run the channels and compete across the pitch is going to be vital for this position. I’ll be recruiting someone with good size and stature, looking for someone who is strong in the air but really mobile as well. They need to be able to work well with a partner and bring others into the game. Oh… of course they have to be a goalscorer as well!
|| Players Identified ||
Backup Goalkeeper // Jos Barker
• From Walton & Hersham (Step 3) – Fee
For consistent readers of my Twitter profile and blog page, this is probably a name you will get used to hearing consistently over the next 6-12 months, due to how impressed I was when I watched Walton & Hersham, in The Swans 2-1 win over Taunton Town, a couple of months ago. The 21 year-old goalkeeper impressed me with his aggressive style when coming to claim crosses and set-pieces. This displayed excellent confidence, which really impressed me, especially for a young goalkeeper, who didn’t seem phased by the physical test.
Walton & Hersham are one of the best footballing sides in Step 3, meaning there is a heavy reliance on Joe Barker being progressive and confident with his passing, often being put under pressure, but being able to deal with it calmly, distributing with quality.
With Cousins continuing to be the Number One at Ebbsfleet, we could see a situation where Barker is loaned back to Walton & Hersham for a season, to gain more, valuable first team experience, coming back to The Fleet in time for the 2026/27 season as the Number One. His attributes perfectly suit the type of style Ebbsfleet will look to use if he was ever called upon in The National League South, also proving his superb shot-stopping capabilities throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Barker already has plenty of valuable experience in senior football, from him time at Knaphill and Walton.
Central Defender // Deon Woodman
•From Wealdstone (Step 1) – Free
I feel that Ebbsfleet may make a couple serious statement signings this Summer, especially with them likely to have one of the larger budgets in The National League South. Deon Woodman joined Wealdstone at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, on a permanent deal from QPR, however, he struggled to find regular minutes so joined St Albans on loan, a side struggling towards the bottom of The National League South. Woodman has impressed on loan at The Saints, displaying his fantastic defensive and physical attributes.
Woodman has the technical attributes to suit a style which involves passing out from the back, taking lots of risks with progressive passing into midfield, or into the wingbacks, whilst coming under lots of pressure from the opposition. His composure and calmness in possession means the 22 year-old defender is unlikely to panic.
Out of possession, Woodman possesses some fantastic physical attributes, including a wonderful athleticism, which involves being incredibly quick, powerful, strong into duels and sharp on the turn. He often times his tackles to perfection, wins a large number of his duels, both aerially and on the ground, whilst being dominant in the air.
It’s no surprise to anybody that Woodman would be my starting right-sided defender in a 5-3-2 formation, with Luke O’Neil having the experience and know-how to be capable of playing the role as backup, likely to be a greater nurture for Woodman throughout training sessions.
Left Wingback // Liam Vincent
• From Tonbridge (Step 2) – Free
I think The Fleet are likely to have a strong pulling power next season, compared to a lot of clubs in the division, meaning they should be able to tempt players into joining them, from rival National League South teams. There is going to be a lot of change at Tonbridge this season, mainly due to former manager, Jay Saunders, surprisingly leaving The Angels, before joining Folkestone Invicta. One player that could potentially move on this Summer, is 22 year-old wingback, Liam Vincent. The former Portsmouth youngster has had a wonderful season in blue and white, storing nine times, proving three assists, in 38 games.
The wingbacks are likely to be key offensive players for Ebbsfleet next season, with Josh Wright expecting lots of output in the final third. This season, Vincent has proven that he bring real threat in wide areas, including wicked deliveries into the penalty area, fantastic manipulation of the ball, to make space for shooting and passing opportunities and sharp movements to create space for himself and his teammates.
Due to his expectations in the offensive areas of the pitch, he could potentially get caught out or position on certain occasions, meaning he has to work hard to get back in shape. He’s extremely quick and has proven a fantastic work-ethic at The Angels this season; an attribute that will be right at the top of Josh Wright’s list. With the three defenders and Henry Ochieng in a solid defensive block, it would allow The Fleet to be very free-flowing in attack.
I have chosen to sign only one wingback, to keep squad numbers as low as possible, meaning that a backup to Vincent could potentially be signed on loan from a local club. I expect Vincent to develop superbly again next season, potentially becoming a sellable asset in the future.
Holding Midfielder // Henry Ochieng
• From Slough (Step 2) – Fee
Around all of these superb technical players, I feel that Ebbsfleet need a bit of grit and solidity at the base of midfield, to protect the three defenders at the back. The player I’ve suggested is exactly that…Henry Ochieng has been one of the most underrated holding midfielders in the division in recent seasons, often displaying great tenacity, tough tackling alongside a clever reading of the game. In Slough’s recent retained list, Ochieng was listed as “retained”, meaning The Fleet will have to tempt the former Leyton Orient youngster away, paying a fee to The Rebels.
In my opinion, this will be the most important position in the entire team, due to the responsibilities of protecting the back three, whilst being expected to stay very disciplined in-terms of positioning. The 26 year-old midfielder reads the game superbly, constantly making key tackles and interceptions in midfield. Ochieng thrives in games where he has to battle hard and win duels. His strength and power allow him to keep the ball through some tough tackles.
In possession, Ochieng is comfortable when receiving the ball off of his defender, being able to turn and play forward. He is capable of playing progressive passes, through the opponents lines. His ball-carrying is certainly a strength to his game, despite looking unorthodox when driving forward, he covers ground quickly, driving with power and strength.
He would be the starting holding midfielder in my squad, with Ebbsfleet academy graduate, Maxx Manktelow acting as a backup to Ochieng, potentially gaining valuable experience off of the bench. The former Chelmsford midfielder has plenty of experience in The National League South, which will be valuable to this team, trying to gain promotion back to The National League.
Advanced Midfielder // Jack Wood
• From Southend (Step 1) – Free
Just in-front of Henry Ochieng, I think Ebsfleet are likely to play with two advanced midfielders. These two players are the key creators in the side, tasked in getting on the ball to play progressive, line-breaking passes. They will also have a key role to support the forwards, becoming the third and fourth runners into the penalty area. The Fleet recently announced that star player, George Moncur, is staying at the club for their promotion push next season, but I think they still need two more in this vital position. The first of these two is 22 year-old, Southend United midfielder, Jack Wood.
Since joining The Shrimpers, from King’s Langley, back in the Summer of 2021, Jack Wood has been in-and-out of Kevin Maher’s squads, especially this season, where he’s played just ten times in The National League, spending most of the season in Step Two at Torquay United and Tonbridge Angels. In that time, he’s proven that The National League South is more-so his level, meaning a consistent season with a team near the top, could be vital for Wood’s career.
As I stated earlier in the blog piece; I believe that Toby Edser will likely leave the club this Summer, to stay in The National League, meaning whoever joins will have some big boots to fill. Jack Wood will bring excellent energy to The Fleet’s midfield, alongside his wonderful technical attributes, which allows him to glide past defenders with a real elegance and purpose. He thrives in pockets of space in between the oppositions midfield and defence, where he can pick up the ball in tight spaces, finding clever passes into his forwards.
I believe he’d be an excellent starting midfielder, creating a wonderful parternship alongside the experience and quality of George Moncur. Wood’s creativity and quality in possession will be key attributes for The Fleet; I could see him comfortably reaching double figures for goal contributions in this side.
Advanced Midfielder // Johl Powell
• From Walton & Hersham (Step 3) – Fee
For the second advanced midfielder, I’d like to see Ebbsfleet United sign a bit of a project player, who will be a backup to George Moncur and Jack Wood. For those readers who follow me on Twitter, Johl Powell, of Walton & Hersham, is a player who I have spoken about in detail in recent weeks, since I watched the 23 year-old dynamic midfielder play at Taunton Town. I believe he could make the step up into The National League South and Full-Time football, after an excellent season at Walton, including eleven goals from midfield.
Johl Powell has proven his technical abilities with some wonderful performances throughout the season, displaying superb technical attributes. The way Powell steps onto the ball in-stride, allowing him drive at defences with control, pace and power. He’s so light on his feet, making himself impossible to defend. Powell is never afraid to take a risk in possession, often willing to try line-breaking passes in behind, giving forwards something to run onto.
His physical and defensive attributes need to improve, but that will come when playing minutes in an extremely physically challenging league, which the National League South is. The former Millwall and Charlton Athletic youngster sometimes finds himself lacking in concentration at the vital moments when defending, leading to him losing his man. What he lacks out of possession, he certainly makes up for with his technical attributes.
The positive about Powell being a backup to Jack Wood and George Moncur, is that he doesn’t have pressure piled on him to perform week-in-week-out. He can gradually get used to the intensity, physicality and pace of The National League South over a period of games.
Athletic Forward // George Nikaj
• From Dover Athletic (Step 3) – Fee
As we head into the closing stages of the Recruitment Document, we are down to our final position and player. In my prediction of The Fleet’s retained list, I suggested that I think Kymani Thomas and Aaron Cosgrave will likely stick around for next season, meaning Josh Wright will be looking for atleast one forward in the Transfer Market. I think Ebbsfleet need a physically dominant, athletic forward, to give their frontline the final attributes needed to become complete. The player I’ve gone for is Dover Athletic academy graduate, George Nikaj, who has scored 25 goals for the club in a superb Isthmian Premier Division season.
The 21 year-old forward has developed superbly this season, becoming the clubs top goalscorer throughout a wonderful campaign, that is still going for The Whites, who beat Billericay 2-1 in their Playoff Semi-Final! I believe that Nikaj can make the step into Full-Time football seamlessly, due to his excellent physical attributes as a Number Nine. Nikaj brings great strength, pace and power to a forward line, as well as being dominant in the air.
Technically, Nikaj is fantastically gifted as well; He can play on both feet, score all types of finishes, bring others into play and create chances for teammates as well. He strikes the ball wonderfully, meaning he’s pleasing on the eye. In an Ebbsfleet side who are likely to create plenty of chances next season, especially from wide areas with their free-flowing wingbacks.
I feel that George Nikaj will thrive at this level, in this Ebbsfleet United side; He’s hard-working and capable of starting the press from the front. If he continues to develop and scores 25/30 goals next season, Ebbsfleet will then have a large sell-on value involved as well; this deal just makes total sense for the club and George Nikaj as well.
So that’s it! My first Recruitment Document of the Summer is over and the above photo is what my final Ebbsfleet United squad looks like, with the retained players and my suggested signings.
How does this squad do in The National League South? What do you think of the players I suggested? Would you retain anyone else?
Thankyou for reading! I would appreciate any feedback or support on the blog, either commenting on this piece or through social media. I hope you enjoyed the
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Callum Hallett 
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