Bryant Bilongo admitted Ebbsfleet will hold “a special place in my heart” after his successful loan spell at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old played 10 times for the Fleet on loan from Championship outfit Middlesbrough, scoring one goal.

Bilongo played a key role in helping Ebbsfleet stay in the National League alongside fellow loan players Declan Skura and Tommy Fogarty.

“The club holds a special place in my heart and I’ll never forget my time here,” said Bilongo, who felt his man-of-the-match display at Boreham Wood on the final day of the campaign was his best performance for the club.

“I want to thank everyone at the club, and I really mean it, for helping me to enjoy my football again. Obviously, I did have a bit of a rough time before here, not playing any matches.

“I’ve enjoyed it so much, had so much fun and it’s been a good experience that I can take so much from.

“I was quite low in confidence and just wasn’t playing before I came here. As a footballer, you want to play and I wasn’t doing my job.

“But coming to Ebbsfleet everyone trusted me and I’ve gone out and done what I can do, run, jump, whatever it is. I’m happy to have added something to the team and to be part of the journey.

“It’s nice to be loved, I’ve felt loved from my first training session and my first game, the whole way through. Even through my bad moments, everyone has stayed with me and I’m so grateful for that.”

Bilongo instantly connected with the Ebbsfleet faithful. His seemingly-permanent smile plus a debut goal against Eastleigh meant he quickly proved a popular addition at Stonebridge Road.

“I guess it is the smile but I’ve loved being able to engage with the fans,” he added. “To me it’s one of the most important parts of a match, playing for the fans as they’re cheering for you and clapping for you.

“The Ebbsfleet fans were amazing, they travelled everywhere for us and I just wanted to give them something to cheer about and make their week every time I played for them.

“Obviously, I did well in my first game but the Boreham Wood game meant so much more. I’m really happy with how I played - that was my best performance.”