OPPOSITION FOCUS | Ebbsfleet United (A)

The Key Info

Founded: 1946

Nickname: The Fleet

Manager: Josh Wright

Stadium: Kuflink Stadium

Capacity: 4769

The History

Founded in 1946, Ebbsfleet United came into existence through the merger of Gravesend United and Northfleet United. After initially being known as Gravesend & Northfleet, the club adopted the name Ebbsfleet United through a rebrand in 2007. The Fleet contains a rich history, with early success happening in the Kent Senior Cup, as well as being founding members of what is now known as The National League. Ebbsfleet have also achieved success in the FA Trophy, winning the competition at Wembley Stadium - the same season that they adopted the new name. Since 2010, the Fleet have been between Step 1 and 2 of the Non-League period, with their most recent time in the National League South resulted in them achieving promotion to the National League as champions in the 2022/23 season. Ebbsfleet are a team to watch in this division, as they sit just one point adrift of the Tudors in 7th place.

The Manager: Josh Wright

Josh Wright is somebody who is new to management, having taken the role of manager of the club during last season’s campaign. Despite this being his first managerial job, Wright has played the majority of his career at Football League level, which has helped him to develop his leadership and help to improve his knowledge of the game. Whilst initially being brought in as a player, Wright has built relationships with his players, which could help to prove pivotal in terms of creating a unified vision. This season, his team have proved difficult to beat, which was shown in a goalless draw in the reverse fixture between the two teams at the Focus Community Arena.

The Skipper: Max Ehmer

Max Ehmer was one of many high profile signings during the summer transfer window, joining the Fleet from Gillingham ahead of this season. Spending the majority of his career as a Football League player, Ehmer has had to deal with a variety of quality strikers in the clubs that he has represented. Last year, Ehmer was a regular starter for the Gills as he made 35 league appearances. Captaining Gillingham for the majority of last season, Ehmer will be used to the responsibility required of a leader, as he has been a key addition to Ebbsfleet’s squad this season.

Last Five:

🟢 WIN 3-0 Maidenhead United - 31/1/26

🔴 LOSS 0-3 Maidstone United - 27/1/26

🟢 WIN 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge - 24/1/26

🟢 WIN 4-1 Chippenham Town - 17/1/26

🔴 LOSS Forest Green Rovers (FA Trophy) - 10/1/26

Ones to Watch:

Name: Mustapha Olagunju

Joined: September 2024

Position: Centre Back

Centre Back Mustapha Olagunju is a familiar name to the Tudor faithful, having represented the club as recently as last season on a one month loan. Coming into the side at the back end of Bobby Wilkinson’s tenure at the club, the arrival of Lee Allinson saw Olagunju shine as he built his centre back partnership with Kyle Ajayi. His value to the Fleet is shown by his minutes on the pitch, where the centre back has played the most out of every player in the squad.

Name: Dominic Samuel

Joined: October 2023

Position: Striker

Ebbsfleet United have shown this season to be like the Tudors, as they have conceded just 26 goals and scored 35. However, Dominic Samuel has proved to be a player to be relied on as his 11 goals of the 35 have been key to Ebbsfleet’s current position in the league table. Having played at a host of EFL clubs, Samuel contains a wealth of experience and has a strong eye for goal.

Name: Jake Hessenthaler

Joined: June 2025

Position: Centre Midfield

This season has been one which has seen experience play a key role in Ebbsfleet occupying a playoff position. Joining the Fleet ahead of this season from Dagenham & Redbridge, Jake Hessenthaler has been a regular feature in the team, playing over 2000 minutes. He has two goals to his name and has EFL experience with 330 appearances in the Football League. The midfielder has shown his experience and consistency this season, playing a key role in the current playoff position that the Fleet find themselves in.