Former Ebbsfleet defender Chris Solly has announced his retirement from playing.

The 33-year-old, who was released by the Fleet at the end of last season, has decided to hang up his boots to concentrate on his coaching career.

But former Charlton man Solly has also suggested that his immediate future does not lie with Ebbsfleet in a coaching capacity.

Solly said: “Making this decision for any player can never come easy but this is my time now to say goodbye to my footballing playing days.

“It has been an absolute privilege to play this game and represent two clubs that will both hold huge places in my heart, allowing me to create some of the best days of my life.”

Solly joined Ebbsfleet in January 2021 and went on to make 101 appearances, captaining the side to the National League South title in 2022/23.

He added: “Joining Ebbsfleet during the pandemic has turned out to be an incredible decision that has brought great success, a huge love for the club and opportunities as a player/coach to work on the other side of the footballing world.

“Achieving promotion in the style we did, and then helping to keep the club in the National League has been brilliant. The club really does have the platform, spirit, and drive to keep improving and with Damian (Irvine) as chief executive, Danny (Searle, manager) and Anwar (Uddin, assistant manager) in charge, next season really looks like an exciting challenge for the club.”

While his immediate future appears to be away from Ebbsfleet, Solly does intend to carry on his coaching path.

“Football helped teach me everything I know, and now is the time to start passing on my knowledge and experiences to help others chasing their dreams,” he added.

“One huge chapter closes but I couldn’t be any more ready and excited by the coaching world of football.”

Solly made more than 300 league appearances for Charlton and reflected in his retirement message on X: “Breaking through at Charlton was always my dream growing up so to not only do that but to go on and make over 300 appearances, achieve two promotions, two player-of-the-year awards and then captain the side, was way more than I could have ever imagined.

“Spending 18 years at one club is a rarity for any player, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity the club gave me, and I cherished every single day. It really is a special club filled with so many special people.

“The dressing room will be my biggest miss and the memories created with my team-mates throughout the years are endless.

“I was fortunate to play with some incredible players and training, competing, and having success with you all has created genuine bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.”