Paul Lorraine wanted to sign for Dartford as soon as he knew his Ebbsfleet United career was coming to an end.

The 30-year-old defender joined the Darts on Saturday, jumping at the chance to team up with manager Tony Burman at the Fleet’s north Kent rivals.

Lorraine was loyal to Ebbsfleet during his four years at Stonebridge Road but their imminent move to daytime training meant he could no longer stay.

And he needed no second invitation to swap Fleet red for Dartford white.

Lorraine said: "When I knew that I was leaving Ebbsfleet in the summer, Dartford was the main club that I wanted to sign for. I’ve spoken to Tony in previous seasons, I always knew he was a good guy and we kept in contact throughout the years.

"I spoke to a few clubs but if I’m being honest, I was hoping that Tony Burman would ring – and he did. I wanted to make that happen and I’m happy that it has.

"I was at Ebbsfleet for four years and that club means an awful lot to me. I gave a good account of myself down there and that will not be changed by me signing for Dartford. I just hope I can build up a reputation with the Dartford fans like I did with the Ebbsfleet fans."

Lorraine’s been a captain throughout his career – at Ebbsfleet, Woking and AFC Wimbledon – but he won’t be at Dartford, where Elliot Bradbrook is the skipper.

However, that doesn’t mean his leadership skills won’t be required.

Lorraine said: "Tony’s explained to me exactly what he wants me to do. He wants me to organise and be a voice on the pitch and get people doing their jobs.

"I know a lot of players down there, from playing against them, and there’s a lot of winners there. I want to be part of that."

Full interview in the Dartford Messenger.