Summer signing Giles Phillips has left Ebbsfleet on loan to drop down a division.

The 27-year-old defender was signed by former Fleet boss Danny Searle but made just five appearances for the club and will now move to Hornchurch.

Phillips hasn’t featured under new Ebbsfleet manager Harry Watling although he was an unused substitute in the home games against Hartlepool and Oldham.

His last Fleet appearance was on September 7 when he started in the 4-0 defeat at Altrincham, being replaced on 65 minutes by Luke O’Neill.

He also started the home defeats to Barnet and FC Halifax, the goalless draw at Braintree and came off the bench for the opening day thrashing at Gateshead.

Phillips joins National League South newcomers Hornchurch on loan until January.

He could make his debut for the Urchins, managed by former Fleet boss Daryl McMahon when they travel to Dorking Wanderers on Saturday. Hornchurch are 15th in the table with 11 points from their first nine games.