Ashley Carew has spoken of his relief at returning to Ebbsfleet and admits his decision to leave the club for Cambridge United last summer is one he now regrets.

The midfielder walked away from Stonebridge Road in June 2011 after helping the Fleet win promotion to Blue Square Bet Premier.

Carew jumped at the chance to play full-time football with Cambridge but what appeared to be a dream move turned sour a few months later.

A regular starter in Jez George’s team, Carew had scored five goals by the end of October.

However, a knee injury, suffered in training, ruled him out for the last three months of the season and the 26-year-old left the Abbey Stadium in May.

Reflecting on the move, he said: "I felt I was ready to go back into full-time football. I had a chance of being a pro again and I wanted to get back in as quick as I could.

"Going to Cambridge, I felt that was the right time to go.

"I made my decision and felt it was the right decision but if I had the chance, I probably would have stayed at Ebbsfleet.

"I feel that maybe I wasted a year. I could have had another year at Ebbsfleet."

He added:"To get a second chance at Ebbsfleet is what I wanted and I’m grateful for it. Ebbsfleet will always have a place in my heart."