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Ebbsfleet United boss Garry Hill thinks fans will love new signing Alex Lawless

Garry Hill believes Alex Lawless will become a big fans favourite at Ebbsfleet.

The midfielder, 34, won the National League last season with Leyton Orient and also lifted the championship with Luton in 2014.

Manager Hill said: “He’s going to fetch a lot of experience to the team.

Alex Lawless challenges Bagasan Graham during Ebbsfleet's win over Leyton Orient last season Picture: Simon Hildrew
Alex Lawless challenges Bagasan Graham during Ebbsfleet's win over Leyton Orient last season Picture: Simon Hildrew

“He’s a natural proven winner who’s got a wealth of experience not only playing on the field as a very important player but off the field.

“I’ve talked to several people about Alex and I’m really pleased to get him on board.

“He’s a great model pro, keeps himself very fit and he’s one of those players I believe, in a big way, will become a firm favourite with the fans down at Ebbsfleet.

“To win it with Luton and Orient, he’s got that mentality. He’s got the t-shirt, he’s worn it, he’s done it and he’s won it.

“He’s still got plenty more hunger and desire in him to achieve that again.”

That experience will be crucial given the large turnover of players at Stonebridge Road this summer.

Jamie Grimes (centre) gets up for a header during his time at Dover Picture: Barry Goodwin
Jamie Grimes (centre) gets up for a header during his time at Dover Picture: Barry Goodwin

Hill kept that policy going on Tuesday by snapping up former Dover and Cheltenham defender Jamie Grimes, 28, who spent last season in League 2 with Macclesfield.

Hill said: “I think that’s where I’m going. There’s no secret I’m looking for a certain amount of professional experienced players with character, on and off the pitch.”

Fleet’s players reported back for pre-season training on Saturday with the sun beating down at K Sports.

Hill said: “It’s been very warm but it can be like that in August too. Ian Hendon and the backroom staff have been working hard and the players have come back in good shape.

“There’s a long, hard four or five weeks in front of them in respect of training, pre-season fixtures and getting ready for August 3. That’s what it’s all about.

“It’s been a summer where there’s been no let-up on my part, no break, so we’ll just keep going in respect of getting more players on board.”

Alex Lawless keeps tabs on Danny Kedwell Picture: Simon Hildrew
Alex Lawless keeps tabs on Danny Kedwell Picture: Simon Hildrew

Fleet’s first pre-season friendly is away to K Sports on Saturday before they visit Dartford on Tuesday night.

Hill said: “We’ve had some trialists come to training.

“It’s only right that we give people an opportunity to show what they can do and that’s what pre-season’s about.

“It opens the door for trialists to come along and we go from there.

“I’m building, I’m taking my time and I’m being patient.

“We’re working with a new financial structure which is a complete change to what it’s been over the last couple of seasons.

“By the same token, we’ll still be very competitive.”

Read more: The latest sports news from Kent

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