Manager Dennis Kutrieb believes this weekend’s title celebrations at Ebbsfleet will be the perfect closure to his first chapter at the club.

The German manager arrived at Stonebridge Road three years ago but after a Covid-hit first campaign, he suffered play-off final defeat last season before walking away with the National League South title at the third attempt.

Ebbsfleet have been head and shoulders above their rivals this season, and will celebrate their campaign at home to Hungerford on Saturday before an open-top bus trip and family fun day on Sunday.

“It was a good chapter, an intense chapter and now we’re where we think we belong,” said Kutrieb.

“It’s a reward of working hard, minimum nine or 10 months but more or less three years now. This is something everyone should enjoy, including the fans.

“I said to the players after the Welling game last weekend, when everyone was disappointed that we didn’t win, that they need to remember and realise what we’ve done this season.

“They can’t be too disappointed because everyone should be happy and looking forward to this weekend. It’s celebration time for us – big time. Not many teams achieve 100 points and we can still go higher from that so we should be happy.”

Ebbsfleet will welcome back a host of former Fleet favourites at the Hungerford game and supporters then get the chance to celebrate their stunning season the following day.

The team will be assembling at the Gravesham Borough Council offices on Community Square, departing around 10.45am on a route from Windmill Street, through New Road, Garrick Street, Clive Road, Darnley Road, along the Overcliffe, London Road and Northfleet High Street until arriving at the Kuflink Stadium.

Supporters and local residents can greet the team at any point along the route before the fun day at Stonebridge Road from 11am to 3pm. There will be live music as well as food options and a bar in operation. Fans can also get their picture taken with the National League South trophy.

While the main focus will be on celebration this weekend, Kutrieb has already started planning for next season.

The Fleet will be looking to compete with non-league’s biggest clubs in the National League.

“Now we need to celebrate on one hand but on the other hand get our business right,” added the Fleet boss.

“We need to say these are the players that we want to keep working with, as well as the targets we want to improve. When all the players are on holiday it’s hard work for us again to make the right decisions.

“It’s always ongoing and has been during the second part of the season. We talk to players and make everyone aware what is going to happen next season and who we want to have.

“I’m always positive, there’s nothing where we can say it’s outstanding or it’s not good, we’re in a process that I’m looking forward to. We’re two or three weeks ahead of many other teams so there’s nothing to moan about from my point of view.”