Steve Brown will be glad to see the back of his first January transfer window as Ebbsfleet manager.

Brown added midfielder Michael West to his squad at the start of the year but it’s been a tale of frustration since then.

While the Fleet, unlike clubs higher up the pyramid, can still make permanent signings after the January 31 cut-off, the wheeling and dealing of rivals in the transfer market is having a knock-on effect to Brown’s plans as potential targets can still hold out for more money elsewhere.

Talks with rivals clubs, agents and players have so far proved fruitless and Brown is looking forward to giving the Fleet’s Skrill South promotion push his full attention again.

He said: "My phone’s been red-hot with requests, CVs, agents and players and all while I’m trying to prepare for games.

"It’s complex trying to do a deal. It’s better in the summer when you’re chasing players because at this time of year, the ones we’re trying to bring in are attached to clubs. It makes life difficult, trying to get them to your club without other people finding out.

"It’s been a hectic month and I’m looking forward to it being finished. Agents will tail off after January and stop sending in CVs.”

Ebbsfleet, who remain third in Skrill South, entertain fifth-placed Weston-super-Mare at Stonebridge Road on Saturday.

Midfielder Dean Rance returns from suspension and full-back Chris Sessegnon – sent-off last weekend – is available for selection, with his ban not coming into effect until the trip to Concord on February 8.