There were celebrations at Stonebridge Road as Roy Hodgson, a former Fleet player, was unveiled as the new England manager at Wembley.

After starting his career with Crystal Palace, Roy dropped into the non league game with Tonbridge Angels in 1966, joining the Fleet, then known as Gravesend & Northfleet, three years later. Signed by manager Alf Ackerman, Roy featured in a squad that also included Tony Sitford, who was later to manager the Fleet, keeper Brian Hughes, Colin Murphy, Alan Crudace, Alan Lillis, Ronnie Hall, Peter Allwright, Tim Souter, Peter Brooks, Johnny Thurgood, and Aiden O?Sullivan.

After making 59 appearances for the Fleet, six as substitute, and scoring one goal in a 2-2 draw at Rugby Town, Roy moved on to brief spells at Maidstone United and Ashford Town before completing his playing career with spells with South African club Berea Park and Carshalton Athletic.

Everybody at Ebbsfleet United would like to wish Roy good luck in his new role and look forward to welcoming him back to Stonebridge Road at some time in the future.