Ebbsfleet United can announce that defender Kenny Clark has departed the club to join Dagenham & Redbridge on a permanent deal.

The 30-year-old was the club’s second longest-serving player behind Dean Rance having played for four managers at the Fleet since being signed by Steve Brown from Dartford in summer 2014. Clark clocked up 175 appearances in four years and had one of the best goalscoring ratios for a defender in recent times, finding the net 15 times in his career at the Fleet.

Despite the signing of several central defenders in the seasons since, Clark fought off all competition to remain one of the key components in the Fleet defence as he helped the club reach two play-off finals and a semi-final, striking up memorable partnerships at the back with numerous players in that time.

The former Thurrock and Chelmsford City defender, who made his debut for the Fleet v Concord Rangers in August 2014, began his career as a Dagenham youth and faces a quick return to the Kuflink Stadium in Daggers colours as they come to town in three weeks for the FA Trophy.

Kenny’s immense contribution to the Fleet cause over the past years (where he also worked as part of our community scheme) almost goes without saying and we are sure all supporters and staff will join us in wishing him all the very best and he departs with our warm wishes and thanks.