Aaron McLean says there's no better feeling than helping Ebbsfleet's young stars improve.

The 34-year-old spent last season mentoring the likes of fellow striker Darren McQueen and the partnership is set to continue in the National League after McLean signed a new deal on Monday.

He missed seven months of last season after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament but McLean still had a role to play in Fleet's promotion.

He said: "As one of the older ones, it’s my responsibility to make sure I give the lads the right guidance, the right information and try to help them progress their game.

"The manager gave me licence to do that, to speak to the lads, especially the younger ones.

"The older ones have been there, done it and know how to manage themselves and play the game.

"It’s just a case of giving people the right information at the right times and, every now and again, pulling people up and trying to give them a bit of guidance.

"There’s nothing better than giving someone information, especially with Daz, giving him help with his runs and his positioning. Everyone knows what a good finisher he is, it’s all about him getting in the right positions and being in the right areas to utilise his ability.

"There’s nothing better than when you work on something in training or you sit and have a talk about something and see him go and do it on a Saturday and score a goal from it.

"It’s been very pleasing."

McLean was the last player to re-sign at Ebbsfleet but the timing was purely down to his whereabouts, rather than any deliberations over whether or not to stay.

He said: "I was away on holiday, the manager was away so it was just a case of us being in the same place at the same time and putting pen to paper.

"There’s nothing like getting a promotion. I’ve always said it, from the first one I ever had to now. There’s no better feeling.

"You work hard all season, players and staff. Everyone puts everything they’ve got into that season to achieve something at the end of it, there’s no better feeling.

"They always say the play-offs is the best way to go up - as long as you get promoted. Luckily we got up this time and it was a great end to the season."

McLean has started just 21 games since joining Ebbsfleet from Barnet in January 2016.

He said: "It has been frustrating. When I first came in, I started really well and then I was left out at the end of the season so that was disappointing.

"I had a point to prove last year and picking up an injury during pre-season, coming back from that and then getting the ACL injury, it’s been a frustrating time but at the same time, I’ve learned a lot about the other side of football, looking after players, helping guide them and obviously it was nice to be able to come back and play my part at the end of the season to help us get promotion.

"The knee feels really good now. I’ve had a rest on it now which has been nice.

"I came back a lot earlier than expected (because Danny Kedwell broke his arm) and was thrown straight into it but that’s football.

"I’m glad it happened that way because it meant I was able to play more of a part come the end of the season and really be involved in the whole promotion.

"At the same time, it’s important that over the summer I still do my strengthening work but have a rest because we’ve got a hard six or seven weeks coming up now getting ready for the season."