Danny Kedwell is confident of defying the odds once again at Ebbsfleet next season.

By his own admission, Kedwell didn’t think he would be involved much last season, but he ended the campaign with 20 goals and over 50 appearances.

The striker turns 35 in August but he’s ready for more.

He said: “Last pre-season the gaffer (Daryl McMahon) brought in new players and I didn’t actually think I was in his starting plans, because of my age.

“That was fair enough, but in the last games of pre-season I just hit form, proving there was nobody better around at what I do. I made it difficult for him.”

McMahon put Kedwell in from the start and the responded by helping Fleet secure a place in the National League play-offs last season.

Kedwell said: “I believe in myself all the time. Throughout my career I have always had doubters saying ‘he won’t be able to do it’, ‘he can’t do it’ and even when I go to new clubs they say I’m not a good signing.

“I always end up proving people wrong and that’s what I thrive off. I don’t think that, I don’t think I am going to prove people wrong, it just happens. Managers and fans come up to me and say ‘you’ve proved me wrong’ and it’s nice to hear.”

McMahon said recently that Kedwell ‘keeps defying logic and sports science’ with his energy levels and the striker is showing no sign of tiring.

He said: “There will be a point where I can’t physically do it but I look after myself. I know people say I look a bit chubby on the pitch or whatever, but I have always been that build. There aren’t many people who do as much running as me.

“I think it is all in the mind and if you want to do something you will do it. When I go on the field I believe in myself and I work as hard as I can for the team, that’s when you get your rewards.

“The goals I have had this season have been unbelievable, playing up front on my own most of the season, finishing on 20 goals. I am happy with myself and what I have achieved.”

Fleet lost in the play-offs but Kedwell, who won promotion to the league with AFC Wimbledon, expects improvements this season and there is always space in his trophy cabinet for another medal.

He said: “We went on a great run after Christmas and everything clicked together. The majority of the players are still here for next season and I can’t see why we can’t achieve even better.

“Next season is going to be really interesting and I am looking forward to it. There is room for one more (trophy). I have had four but you can never have enough.”