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Ebbsfleet midfielder Toby Edser is making sure he savours every moment of winning his first league title.
The 24-year-old has hit double figures both in goals and assists this season, making valuable contributions to the Fleet’s National League South title-winning squad.
“You’ve got to make the most of these situations and I think we certainly did,” said Edser. “It’s been a good feeling, nothing will beat that feeling on Good Friday when we lifted the trophy.
“It’s been a long time coming in the end, and we were desperate to get it over the line. It’s my first league title and hopefully the first of many.
“I’ll be honest, I’ve watched the video 30 times, the behind the scenes, the highlights. It’s sunk in but I always want to keep going back to watch it as it was such a good day and I just want to re-live it.
“It’s my best season so far and the goals and assists are more than my target so I’m really happy.”
Edser arrived at Ebbsfleet on trial at the start of pre-season. Manager Dennis Kutrieb didn’t really want to sign another midfielder, but he saw enough in the former Nottingham Forest and Aldershot man to convince him that he could play a key role.
“As soon as I walked through the door on the first day, I was desperate to be a part of it,” reflected Edser.
“My position was very unsure at the start, I had to come in and fight for a place but I could see where this club was going, where the team was going.
“I’m thankful to the gaffer and Damian [Irvine, chief executive] for giving me the opportunity, and I’m happy that I was able to be a part of winning promotion.
“It’s not gone better than I thought as I always had the vision of us getting promoted, if I’m honest. Just seeing the boys day in, day out and the way the gaffer works. It hasn’t been a shock if you like but I’m really appreciative of the situation.”
Edser is playing the best football of his career - and wants to be part of the Ebbsfleet squad in the National League next season.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season and I think it’s brought out the best of me,” he said.
“When you play with confidence you play better and I feel like my confidence has risen throughout the season. I’ve probably improved as I’ve gone along.
“I’d love to be here next year and test ourselves in the league above and hopefully shock a few people. This season teams have come here and raised their game a little bit because, I don’t like saying it, but playing the big boys in the league.
“So next season will be completely different, we’re going to places like Chesterfield and will have [the] underdog mentality. It will be a lot different - but bring it on!”