Ebbsfleet manager Josh Wright believes he knows exactly what the squad needs.

Wright was the Fleet’s captain until he took over from the sacked Harry Watling last week, losing his first game in charge at new National League leaders Barnet on Saturday.

It’s a different dynamic for the 35-year-old but, having got a tune out of the squad during his previous game in charge against Aldershot in September, Wright was the obvious choice to take over.

“I know that group better than anyone, I know what they need, I know what they want and react to,” stated Wright.

“That’s down to me to get that out of them now. It’s a different role, I’m going to embrace it and attack it.

“They need positivity and they need belief. I know what they enjoy and want day-to-day.

“I’m not saying the word is love but they need what gives them a buzz or a spring in their step. They’re feeling low and vulnerable so they need that lift and push.

“They need someone who is going to drive the train and be at the front of the steam train pulling it along and driving it for them.

“I’ve led them for a long time now (on the pitch) and I need to continue doing that in a bigger, more fronted way and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

Wright helped Ebbsfleet to the National League South title in 2022/23 and was instrumental in helping the club avoid relegation last season.

He’s clearly someone with the club’s best interests at heart and should be afforded time by Ebbsfleet fans to get it right.

There’s no big targets, no bold predictions – just confirmation of Wright’s determination, passion and attitude transferring from the pitch to the dugout.

“It's just a case of taking each little group of games at a time, whether that’s two, three or four matches, then having your targets and seeing what you can get out of them,” explained Wright.

“I’m a big believer of every next game, you’re only as good as your last game and the next game coming is the one you’ve got to win.

“You can look ahead and think we need this, we need that, but you can only win your next game.

“I’m just solely focused on each week, each game, and hopefully get the most out of that and we can start to see positivity.

“I love winning, there’s no better feeling in the world than winning and that’s what I want to continue to do, in terms of bringing it back to the group as we haven’t won enough games this year.

Read more: It’s all or nothing for new Fleet boss

“It’s down to me to do that along with my staff and players.

“I’m just going to enjoy the ride and try and bring what I would say is Ebbsfleet United back, bring what this club is back and that’s what I think we’ve been lacking for a long time now, getting the Ebbsfleet United feel back.”