FleetOnline caught up with new midfield signing Stuart Lewis as he arrived at the PHB Stadium today following his capture from Wycombe Wanderers. The 27-year-old was full of enthusiasm about his move and is raring to go in a Fleet side that has been seriously strengthened this week.
“I can’t wait to get going, it’s an exciting project,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started. I’m over the moon to be a part of it and hope to hit the ground running. I’ve been at Wycombe for four years but it’s a fresh challenge for me and when I heard of the owner’s plans here and talked to the manager, I just jumped at the chance to be part of something that’s moving forward in the way this is. I’ve had a great time at Wycombe, I’ve captained them, shared some great experiences with the fans and people there and it’s a really good club. But I needed a fresh start.”
Having tasted non-league for a season at Stevenage, despite a career spent largely in the Football League, Lewis is under no illusions about the task ahead. “I know non-league having played for Stevenage for a brief spell before going to Gillingham with Mark Stimson who was my manager at Stevenage too. I know what’s it’s about and what it takes to get out of those leagues and progress.”
The new Fleet signing was impressed with the setup he witnessed on signing and those he spoke to. “Jamie Day and Peter Varney really sold to me what it’s all about at Ebbsfleet,” he told FleetOnline. “I’ve obviously played most of my career in the League but I’ve come here for the ambition of the club and to get Ebbsfleet back in the Conference and then on towards the League. I was in this morning, I’ve seen the plans for everything, it’s such a great opportunity. I knew a bit of the background to the club but speaking to people, something like this, it’s just brilliant to be a part of it.”
Available for selection on Saturday, what can fans expect from Stuart Lewis on the pitch? “I’m box-to-box, all-action, I like a tackle and give it my all. I’m always ready for a game and play with lots of energy. Hopefully I can chip in with a few goals and have a good end to the season and be part of something that leads to promotion.”
