It may lead to occasional fireworks but honesty is the best policy for Ebbsfleet winger Anthony Cook.

Cook’s wicked footwork and electric pace make him a thrilling player to watch, although he frustrates Fleet manager Steve Brown just as much as he excites him.

When the man with No.11 on his back runs down blind alleys, Brown’s left tearing his hair out in the technical. The pair have gone nose-to-nose already this season but those disagreements clear the air and more often than not, they’re smiling, not shouting.

Cook said: "I’m outspoken and the gaffer is as well. I’ve learnt a lot from him this season. We’ve got a good relationship – an honest and true relationship. If I’ve got something to say, I’ll say it and if he’s got something to say, he’ll say it.

"I’m not the type to hold my mouth. I’m an honest person and the gaffer is. You say what’s on your mind.

"Steve Brown was a major reason why I came here. The honesty he has in the changing room and towards people, you can’t really replace that. People don’t understand that. When you don’t see what’s going on behind closed doors, you don’t know what’s going on. It’s his first managerial job and he’s done fantastic."

Cook’s decision-making still needs work but there are few more exciting players in non-league football.

He said: "People have to realise that, as an attacking player, I try to win games, to make things happen. That’s how I’ve always been. I wasn’t coached, I came into football at a late age. I just play the game how I played in the playground.

"I get frustrated when I get kicked and lumped but that just makes me think: 'OK, I’m going to do better'."

Read the full interview in the Gravesend Messenger.