Ebbsfleet defender Craig Stone is pleased to have agreed terms with the club for next season.

Stone, skipper Paul Lorraine and Joe Howe have all already committed their futures to the club.

Stone (pictured) said: "I am pleased to get it over and done with.

"I had no intention of going anywhere else after having a good season. I had a brief chat with the gaffer who put something to me and I agreed.

"I think it’s a co-incidence that three of the back four are the first to sign. I know Paul well having played alongside him for two years and the same with Joe."

He added: "People made us favourites to go down last season, even before a ball was kicked but none of us thought that."

Fleet have confirmed they will face Gillingham in a pre-season friendly at Stonebridge Road on Saturday, July 28.

Three other matches have been fixed up – Tonbridge Angels (away) July 14, Leyton Orient (h) July 21, both 3pm kick-offs, July 31 Maidstone United (away) (7.45pm).