The Fleet are delighted to confirm the permanent signing of Chris Solly on a deal until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The former Charlton defender, who spent 11 years in the first team at The Valley and won two promotions to the Championship and two player-of-the-year awards there, initially joined the Fleet on a short-term arrangement in mid-December.

He made his debut in the 2-1 win at home against Concord Rangers and featured five times in all, including the wins over Slough Town and Havant & Waterlooville, before the season was cut short.

In addition to his playing duties, Chris – who turned 30 in January – will also take on a first-team coaching role, assisting the club in specialist coaching and scouting areas.

Chris originally agreed new terms with the club just before the visit to Slough Town in January – but with a combination of the uncertainty surrounding the season’s status, Chris’s injury sustained at Slough and the efforts into getting his red card at Havant successfully overturned, our original announcement timelines were constantly pushed back.

However, we are pleased we can now share this excellent news with our supporters as we look ahead to the new season and with such an experienced and valuable squad member on board.

Fleet manager Dennis Kutrieb said, “Like Lee Martin, Chris has come in with experience at a very high level. We have the right environment here, he has enjoyed being here and getting his fitness back with the facilities we have provided. Now we are seeing what he can do on the pitch too and I am very happy he is here for the long-term because what he can provide on the pitch and off it will be very beneficial to Ebbsfleet United in 2021/22.”