Ebbsfleet United manager Kevin Watson has set the record straight on the departures of loan players Alex Reid and Tyler Cordner.

Both have returned to their parent clubs after their deals expired at the start of this week - and Watson revealed that he'd probably have kept them both if he'd been given that choice to make.

"People think I've sent them back but I haven't, I want to make that clear," said Watson. "They've both been recalled.

"I've spoken to Carl Fletcher at Bournemouth and they want to have a look at Tyler as he's been out on loan for a while.

"There's a possibility he could come back to us. I think he is a terrific footballer.

"I probably would have kept Alex Reid but I can't dictate what Stevenage do."

There was better news with Crawley midfielder Josh Payne following Newport defender Marvel Ekpiteta in extending his stay at Stonebridge Road until the end of the season.

"I was chuffed that Newport allowed us to keep Marvel and getting Josh Payne to stay is a real shot," added Watson.

"Josh is a terrific footballer and I'm delighted to keep him.

"I didn't think I'd be able to get him again but he enjoys being with us and he is central to how I want my team to play."

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