Chris Solly has left Ebbsfleet to take up a coaching role at another club.

Solly retired as a player at the end of the season and was expected to remain at Stonebridge Road as part of manager Danny Searle’s coaching staff.

But he’s been offered a job that “makes so much sense for him personally” according to Ebbsfleet chief executive Damian Irvine.

“Players come to football clubs for a variety of different reasons and Chris came during a difficult time for himself, following time with a club he had been at for a long time.

“From day one he committed fully to Ebbsfleet United Football Club and everything he said he would do, he has done.

“Chris has done an excellent job in transitioning from a player into the coaching side of the game over the past 12 months.

“While we are of course sad to see Chris move on, we fully understand that this opportunity makes so much sense for him personally, it’s a move he has to make and one that will be very rewarding. He has been a great asset to the football club.

“We wish him all the very best in the future and he will always be a friend of Ebbsfleet United.”

Solly joined Ebbsfleet in December 2020 after leaving Charlton, for whom he made more than 300 appearances.

He played 102 times for Ebbsfleet, captaining the side to the National League South title in 2022/23.

Ebbsfleet boss Searle was full of praise for Solly’s contribution since he took charge.

“He’s been excellent since I’ve been at the club and giving information into what we’re trying to do and achieve,” said Searle at the end of last season. “He’s been a valued member of what we’re doing.

“We’ve embraced him and made sure he feels massively a part of what we’re trying to do. The bottom line for me is this is a guy who has played 300 games for a really big club in Charlton.

“I was at Charlton when he was coming through and was working with the younger age groups when he was a scholar. He brings a wealth of knowledge, he knows the squad inside out and has been at the club for a while so has a good feel for the club.

“That’s just as important sometimes, having someone who knows the fabric of the club. We knew the players but we didn’t really know the club. He ticks a lot of boxes for us and he’s been outstanding since I’ve been in the building.”

The Fleet have also confirmed midfielder Ouss Cisse has left the club after his deal expired at the end of the season.

“Been a pleasure to be part of what we achieved and be part of this club,” said Cisse. “Feel really welcomed from day one. Fans (have) been unbelievable with me and I won’t thank you enough for that.”