Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon will be working with a reduced playing budget in National League South next season.

McMahon used 28 different players in 2015-16 but 15 have left the club since Fleet lost to Maidstone in the play-off final.

Four new signings have come in so far, taking the squad number to 19 ahead of next week’s training camp in Portugal.

McMahon said: "The budget’s been cut. It won’t be anywhere near what we had before, so that means we have to go with a smaller group.

"We’ve had a lot to do in terms of players going out.

"It’s always tough, probably the hardest bit, players leaving the club – especially players you’ve played with, people you’ve become close to and people who have performed well for you.

"It’s difficult but it is what it is. You’ve got to do it, it’s part of the job."

Ebbsfleet will have a new-look defence next season, three of the back-four who lined up in the play-off final having moved on.

McMahon said: "Joe Howe’s been a terrific player for the club, as has Ach (Anthony Acheampong) - and they’re good people.

"Sometimes that’s the hardest bit, not so much the player you lose as the person. Joe Howe’s a great person and so is Ach.

"I got on well with both of them. They’ve gone to Bromley and Maidstone (respectively) and I’m sure they’ll both do well."

Last season’s top scorer, Matt Godden, is now a Stevenage player and McMahon believes he will go even higher than League 2.

He said: "Everyone knows what I think of Matty Godden. He’s a terrific player and, for me, he was the best striker in non-league football last year.

"I’ve got no doubt that if he goes to Stevenage and does what he’s done for us, he could go again.

"He has the talent, the temperament, the work ethic – all the things you need to go on again.

"There’s one or two others that could have moved on but didn’t. They stayed because they want to help us get to the next level. Credit to them.

"We’ve got some good players who have to prove themselves to me this year. I’ve not rushed out to bring a lot of players in.

"Look at the likes of Charlie Sheringham, who didn’t get given enough game time last year, Sean Shields, Aaron McLean, good players that should be hungry to come back and prove themselves.

"I'm looking forward to that."