Stuart Lewis is getting back to his best and the secret behind the midfielder’s form is simple: he’s fit.

Lewis, who turned 28 last Thursday, has been superb in Ebbsfleet United’s midfield under Daryl McMahon’s management this season.

The former Gillingham player’s improvement has mirrored that of the team, who laboured badly last term but are now soaring at the top of Vanarama National League South.

Senior figures at Ebbsfleet felt the players were poorly conditioned when Jamie Day was in charge and Lewis is certainly feeling the benefit of the new regime.

He said: "This is probably the best I’ve felt in a few years. I’m probably the fittest I’ve felt and that’s showing in my game.

"It was tough last season and I probably didn’t show what I wanted to but I feel like I’m getting back to my best.

"Training, every day, has been the marker. The manager puts on good sessions, everyone’s lively and it’s like a game – so when it comes round to the game, you’re ready.

"The intensity’s exactly the same and that’s a big thing for me. My intensity in games has been there and I’ve affected the game a lot more."

Lewis played alongside McMahon at Stevenage in 2007/08, so it’s no surprise he’s now being used in his best position.

He said: "The manager’s been good for me. He knows what makes me tick and what I’m good at.

"I’m playing a bit higher up and affecting the play higher up the pitch with my running and breaking play up, bursting into the box and stuff like that, affecting the team."

Goals are the only thing missing from Lewis’ game right now.

He said: "I’ve had a few opportunities (to score) and in the next block of games I’ll be looking to nick a few goals.

"That’s something I’ve spoken about with the manager. It’s something I need to do and it would be the icing on the cake.

“The season couldn’t have started any better – but at the minute it’s just a good start.

"I’ve been part of a few good teams over the years and this is definitely one of them. The spirit’s flying every day and it keeps you on your toes.

"When I was at Wycombe, when I got promotion there, it had a similar feel to it where everyone was pushing each other for a shirt in training."

Read the full interview in the Gravesend Messenger.