Fit-again Kenny Clark is determined to prove himself in the National League with Ebbsfleet this season.

The centre-half’s only previous experience at this level came in 2013/14 when he was part of the Dartford side which got relegated.

But Clark was voted Fleet’s player-of-the-year last season as they conceded just 30 goals in 42 league games before going up via the play-offs.

He’s made 126 appearances since joining the club in 2014 and now has another chance to show he belongs among the non-league elite.

Clark said: “I went back to the South after Dartford, which was a tough season. But I enjoyed playing at this level, though, and it’s a challenge for me.

“I’m looking forward to going to big clubs like Leyton Orient, Tranmere and Wrexham. It’s where you want to be, it’s proper football.

“Teams are a lot fitter and more organised. You can see that step up, it’s a lot more cutting edge, teams take more chances.

“In the South, you’d get three or four chances and not all of them would go in but here, they take them."

Clark played alongside Dave Winfield throughout last season but the club captain is now out long-term with knee ligament damage.

“Big Dave’s a huge loss,” admitted Clark.

“The partnership me and him built up last season, especially with Nathan Ashmore behind us, it was a strong triangle and the rest of the team was built on that. They had a lot of freedom because they knew us three were behind them.

“He’s in his recovery now and fingers crossed he won’t be too long. I know he’s got another couple of months but hopefully we can get him back as soon as possible."