Ebbsfleet United have this afternoon signed 25-year-old defender Chris Bush from Chelmsford City on a permanent contract.

The former Hereford and Welling United player captained Chelmsford against the Fleet in last season’s promotion final at Stonebridge Road and was a major part of Rod Stringer’s impressive Clarets side in 2016/17.

The 6ft 3in centre-back is well known for his extremely long throw-ins, which were a potent weapon in Chelmsford’s armoury last season. Also able to deputise in a full-back role, Bush began his career with Brentford but moved to AFC Wimbledon on loan, helping them to promotion from the Conference alongside Danny Kedwell. The following season, he made 28 Football League appearances for the Dons after joining on a permanent basis.

Ever since, he has played regularly at this level for Hereford United, Welling United, Lincoln City and Gateshead and he could be in line to face his former club at Stonebridge Road tomorrow.

He arrives at the Fleet with the club in the middle of a defensive crisis, having lost Dave Winfield (pictured below against Bush) to a long-term injury, as well as Kenny Clark to a hamstring strain and with Sam Magri out for two games on international duty.

He will wear squad number 26.