Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi insists it’s ‘business as usual’ for Ebbsfleet United as Dean Pooley starts work as Peter Varney’s successor.

The club’s owner has put his faith in 31-year-old Pooley, who was playing for Fleet less than two years ago but is now their executive vice-chairman.

It’s a big job for a young man but Dr Al-Humaidi is confident his new deputy will continue to oversee progress at Stonebridge Road.

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He said: “I knew Dean since the time he was a player. When he retired, he worked in the administration of the club and worked with Peter closely, so when we spoke about succession planning, Peter recommended Dean.

“He has the brains, he’s a hard worker and he can cut it for this job. I met with Dean a number of times and agreed with Peter’s approach. I think he’s the man fit for the job.

“I know Peter has officially left but I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing him very often at the club. I know Peter and he’s the sort of person who will be attending matches. It’s business as usual to be honest.

“The club’s in a good position. There are always challenges but the club can cope and there is a good platform. I have no doubt things will get better as time progresses in every aspect of the club.”

Pooley admitted discussions with Varney about their handover had been “accelerated” recently but says he’s ready for the pressures his new role brings.

He said: “I’m excited for it. I’m passionate about the club so I don’t see any outside pressures as being a burden.

“I’ll come in every day, wanting to move it forward and expectation from Dr Abdulla is from a passion of his own. He’s committed to the club, he’s a fan at heart now so it’s an enjoyable place to be.

“I want to develop us, still as a football club but also as a business to make sure we’ve got long-term security for years to come, not just relying on one owner but to make sure this club is fully stable and will never disappear.

“Hopefully, the confidence shown in me from Pete and Dr Abdulla and the rest of the board will project to others that I am ready for it.”

However the new partnership develops, both men agree on one thing: Varney leaves big shoes to fill.

“I had a good relationship with Peter,” said Dr Al-Humaidi. “He’s done so much for the club and it was sad seeing him leave.

“Peter added so much to the KEH Group and for me personally. If you look at the state of the club now and five years ago, you can make that comparison and see what a good job Peter’s done."

“He didn’t step back suddenly. This was discussed a couple of months ago and he brought Dean under his guidance. He had Dean shadow him for a couple of months and that shows you what sort of man Peter is.”

Pooley said: “When I was given the opportunity by Peter to start working off the field, I never looked back. It’s progressed quicker than I anticipated but I’ve been working daily with Pete, feeding off his experiences.”