Ebbsfleet midfielder Dean Rance is targeting a return to the Football League following his move across Kent from Dover.

Rance, 21, came through the Gillingham youth system but made just one first-team appearance at Priestfield.

He joined Dover on loan in March 2012 and the move was made permanent after Rance was released by Gillingham two months later.

After a full season with the Whites in Conference South, his confidence is back and a return to the professional game is on his agenda.

Rance said: “My prime aim is to get back in the Football League as soon as possible and this is a club which can give me a chance to make it happen.

“When I met (Fleet manager) Steve Brown a couple of weeks ago, he set out his ambition and vision for the club. It’s exciting and I want to play a big part in that.

“Steve was a big factor in signing. He gave me a chance at Dover and I’ve got a lot of time for him.

Rance didn’t want to leave Dover but admitted he felt unwanted at Crabble, despite being offered a new contract by manager Chris Kinnear.

He said: “The last conversation we had was when we got off the coach after the play-off final. Jake (Leberl, assistant manager) said ‘hopefully see you next season.’ I got the contract offer in the post and then a text about a week later saying ‘what do you think?’

“They offered me the same deal. Maybe I expected a little bit of change in my contract and maybe a phone call.

“I was getting calls from other clubs and the way they spoke, I felt more wanted by other clubs than the club I was at."