Ebbsfleet United’s FA Trophy-winning captain Paul McCarthy has died at the age of 45.

McCarthy played 162 games for the Fleet and went onto become assistant manager under Liam Daish.

Reacting to the sudden death, a Fleet statement said: “Paul was a well-loved and popular figure throughout his long association with the club.

“All of us at the club, many of whom will remember working alongside Paul in his time here, are deeply saddened by the news and extend our most heartfelt sympathies to his family at this time as we’re sure do all the club’s fans who remember him warmly as a person and a great servant at Stonebridge Road.”

He previously played in the Football League for Brighton, Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers.

McCarthy played his final game for Ebbsfleet in October 2009 and along with Daish helped the club into the Conference.