Hopefully we'll win the league outright, says Ebbsfleet United chairman Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi

EBBSFLEET UNITED chairman Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi is hoping this season will see the fruits of his and his management team’s labours.

The Fleet finished in fourth-place in the Conference South last season with 74 points – but finished 12 points adrift of champions Eastleigh.

They thrashed their Kent rivals Bromley 4-1 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final, but former striker Nathan Elder sent Dover Athletic back to the top-flight after a 12-year absence with the only goal in the final at Stonebridge Road.

“We’ve spent not just money but lots of hours and the management here has been great,” the chairman told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

“They’ve done an amazing job.  I wouldn’t call (not getting promoted last season) a setback.

“We’ve learned from our mistakes and we’ll build on what we’ve done last year – and this year hopefully we’ll win the league outright.”

The Fleet have been made bookmakers’ favourites to win the Vanarama Conference South title this season.

The chairman said: “It’s a sign of belief.  Eastleigh were favourites last year and won it.  Hopefully we’ll do the same.

“We have lots of depth in the squad now where there was a shortage of players last year. I think we’ll do very well.”

Steve Brown’s side are without a game on the opening day of the season as Salisbury City’s demise was officially confirmed yesterday.

Concord Rangers, who are a side to be respected, visit Stonebridge Road on Tuesday night (7:45pm).

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk