News out of the Kuflink Stadium this morning sees Christian N’Guessan move on to the EFL next season after the midfielder chose not to accept the Fleet’s offer for the 2023/24 campaign.

The 24-year-old will instead return to the League where he last played in 2019/20, then turning out for Oldham Athletic.

But it’s not a decision the popular midfielder took lightly as he praised the Fleet for what he said was “a great place for me”.

“I would never have gone for a sideways move,” N’Guessan told the club website. “I’d never have left Ebbsfleet for someone at the same level. I’m 24, I’ll be 25 during the season, so you only maybe get one chance to take an offer and another crack back in the EFL. And I feel because of how much I progressed here at Ebbsfleet, I felt like it was the right time and I’m ready for that opportunity back in the League. But I’m really so grateful for everything.”

N’Guessan came out of the Burnley U23 setup with little senior experience and no idea of what to expect in the non-league game but Dennis Kutrieb uncovered a gem as he took a first look at the player during the lockdown friendlies at the end of 2020/21.

“When I first came to training and the friendlies, I was surprised at the levels, how good the standard was at the club,” said N’Guessan. “I connected with the manager straight away and having not played for a whole year, it was a great place for me to get playing again, somewhere where I could enjoy it. And obviously I did so enjoy it for those two years.

“I didn’t know what to expect in the first place, coming out of U23 football and it was tough, especially that first season. We did well but fell just short and then last season showed exactly what we could do.”

That first season ended at Dorking, but despite that heartbreak N’Guessan said the reaction of the club’s supporters spurred the whole squad and club on to go one better.

“From the first day, the fans were great for me,” the outgoing No.8 said. “And throughout all the time since, my whole time at the Fleet, they were brilliant and had not a bad word to say. They’ve supported me all the way through, even when we lost games. They showed how great they were when we lost to Dorking in that final, there wasn’t a negative word when we went round thanking them after the game. 

“They were talking about how we’d go again next year, how we’d be even better and I’m so delighted we were able to give them that. That day was really emotional for everyone and the fans saw how much we’d tried. It was so difficult for them as well, we never forgot that last season, and I was really grateful with the way they reacted. And I really hope for the fans and everyone at the club that next year is a great year for them, I’m sure it will be because I know what they’ve got in that squad.”

Highlights for N’Guessan obviously included the style with which his side won the title last season, but he also remembered his debut the year before as a moment he’ll treasure.

“My first game against Hemel at Stonebridge Road in my first season, I missed the first match, but getting out playing again, in front of the Ebbsfleet fans, that was a great feeling.

“There’s loads of teammates I’ll miss from my two years, I’d really struggle to single one out. I enjoyed playing with everyone. But if you put a gun to my head, if I had to single someone out who influenced me, I think Chris Solly was great for me. He helped me on and off the pitch and playing in front of him for most of the two years was a pleasure, his talking to me, all that helped me a lot. Before games, through them, after them, it was always good advice. The boss, obviously, was great for all of us and for me personally and you only have to look at what we achieved and what he achieved too. Everyone around the club, as well, I can’t speak highly enough of Ebbsfleet.”

The only thing N’Guessan departs without after such a successful season was that elusive goal that BBC Radio Kent’s Charles Webster in particular was dying for him to find before the end of 2022/23.

“Maybe I’ll get it on my next EFL debut,” N’Guessan joked, “but I don’t know if Chas will be happy for me or not getting it at another club!”

Everyone at the Fleet wishes Christian the very best in his most deserved step up to a higher level and we thank him for all his performances and contribution in our success in his time at the club across 72 appearances.