Ebbsfleet have signed midfielder Jake Hessenthaler ahead of the new National League South season.

Manager Josh Wright’s fourth new recruit of the close season is 31-year-old Hessenthaler, who has spent the past two seasons with Dagenham & Redbridge.

Like Ebbsfleet, Hessenthaler suffered relegation last season so the midfielder will come up against his former club this season in Fleet colours.

Gravesend-born Hessenthaler, son of legendary former Gillingham player and manager Andy, played more than 150 times for the Gills.

He then spent time with Grimsby, Crawley and Dagenham and has more than 300 Football League games to his name. Hessenthaler scored the Daggers’ second goal in their 2-0 win at Ebbsfleet on New Year’s Day and also played in the return fixture on Good Friday, winning the penalty in a game that saw Dagenham win 1-0.

Hessenthaler said: “To be back in Kent and to be part of a club that has history in my family is a massive reason and it was a no-brainer for me when the opportunity came about.

“I’ve played a lot of games and the ability to do that consistently is something that’s helped me throughout my career and now I want to help the Fleet get back to where they should be.”

Ebbsfleet have already announced deals for defenders Ben Coker, Charlie Seaman and Ronnie Nelson.