Kevin Watson is ready to repay the faith shown in him by Ebbsfleet chairman Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi.

Watson was appointed Fleet boss on a permanent basis following the 2-2 National League draw with Chesterfield on Saturday.

It was a result which extended their unbeaten run to five matches and Watson is delighted to be given the club’s backing.

“I had a meeting with Dr Abdulla upstairs (after the game),” revealed Watson. “He asked for me to go and see him. He has been really pleased with what he’s seen, the style of football and what we are trying to do.

“There were a lot of applicants – and a lot of good applicants – so for him to show faith in me is really pleasing.

“He has not looked at those people that have done bits in the game as managers. I always said to him that I’d back myself to get this club out of the hole and mire that we are in.

“I’m extremely thankful and grateful to him for entrusting me with getting us out of the trouble we’re in.

“We’re ticking along, we’re unbeaten in five and are going the right way.”

Report: Ebbsfleet 2 Chesterfield 2

Fleet appoint Watson on permanent deal

Fleet are four points from safety after an excellent week which has seen them win at Sutton and Chorley – the two teams who now sit below them in the table.

The decision also means that Watson can settle into the role, not having to worry about whether one defeat will spell the end to his time in charge.

“I’m delighted,” added Watson. “It feels good that it’s not interim and for the immediate future I’m not looking over my shoulder with 30 or 40 managers sitting behind us all waiting for us to lose and for me to lose my job.

“I backed the players, they’ve been brilliant and first class with their work ethic.

“We’re getting fitter which we need to be to play the way we want to.

“We’ve got good footballers and I trust each of them to go into the team and play.”

Watson has been in caretaker charge after Fleet sacked Garry Hill having picked up just 10 points from their first 16 games this season.

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent