GRAVESEND & Northfleet manager Andy Ford believes striker Roy Essandoh’s hunger to prove himself in the Nationwide Conference will be influential in hoisting the club away from the relegation zone and into mid-table respectability.

Essandoh, 27, has pledged his long-term future to the club by signing a two-year contract after the Fleet paid Ryman League, Premier Division Bishops Stortford £4,000 to make his loan permanent.

He celebrated with a fourth goal for the Fleet in Saturday’s 2-2 draw away to Aldershot which consolidated their 13th place.

“Roy’s hungry and he's looking forward to every game,” said Ford. “He's come out of the Ryman League and realises this is the level he wants to play at. I'm sure the club and player will do very well together.”

Essandoh said: “I love playing for Gravesend because the fans have been so good to me and hopefully I’ll carry on scoring.

"I’ve come to a club where all the attacking players have different strengths which is good. Hopefully Manny Omoyinmi and Ben Abbey can feed off me."

On Saturday Fleet entertain third-placed Barnet who are expected to include former Stonebridge Road crowd favourite Liam Hatch.