OPPOSITION FOCUS | Ebbsfleet United (H)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

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 seek an immediate return to the National League.

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.

The Skipper: Max Ehmer

As the Summer Transfer Window of the National League South included many remarkable additions to teams around the division, the signing of Max Ehmer from League Two side Gillingham was a fantastic piece of business by the Fleet.

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 looks to solidify an Ebbsfleet side who conceded 98 goals last season.

LAST THREE:

LOSS AWAY 3-2 vs Hampton & Richmond

DREW HOME 1-1 Bath City

LOSS AWAY 2-0 Slough Town

Name: Kwesi Appiah

Joined: June 2025

Position: Striker

The striker learned his trade through the non-league system in the early stages of his career, representing Ebbsfleet, Weymouth and Kettering before he had his first taste of action in the football league. He joined Crystal Palace, which saw him make some Championship appearances before being loaned to a handful of clubs to build up his football league experience. Following the 2022/23 season, Appiah made the move to Boreham Wood, which proved to be a success. Scoring 24 league goals last season, Appiah has an eye for goal and could be crucial if the Fleet want to return to the National League immediately.

 Name: Aaron Cosgrave

Joined: December 2024

Position: Striker

Aaron Cosgrave was a key source of goals for the Fleet last season, achieving 11 goal contributions out of the 38 goals that Ebbsfleet scored. Operating as a striker, Cosgrave has a great amount of experience within non-league football, representing numerous clubs between Steps 1 and 3. Ahead of this campaign, Cosgrave will look to continue his eye for goal, which would prove vital in a competitive division this season.

Name: George Moncur

Joined: March 2025

Position: Midfielder

George Moncur is another player of great quality in the National League South, and another player who has had a vast amount of experience within the Football League. After progressing through the youth setups at Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, Moncur has represented a host of EFL sides during his career, with his most loyal tenure coming at Colchester United. Signing on a permanent deal from Leyton Orient, Moncur has got off to a storming start as an attacking midfielder, racking up 2 assists so far.