Ebbsfleet overhaul signifies intent from board
Published:Ebbsfleet were relegated from the Conference last season, but under new ownership and with a drastic overhaul of the playing squad, they are 10/3 joint-favourites
The Kent club have been in dire financial straits of late, but under the new ownership of Kuwaiti investor Dr Abdullah Al Humaidi look well placed to challenge for a swift return to the Conference.
Manager Steve Brown has made 13 acquisitions already this summer, with Shane Huke and former Charlton defender Osei Sankofa notable additions in defence.
The new owners gave Brown a transfer budget of £100,000 at the start of the summer, enabling him to make the club’s first purchases since 2008. He has since taken players from his former club and promotion rivals Dover, including top scorer Ben May, who bagged 19 goals for The Whites last term.
Fellow 10/3 favourites Eastleigh became a force to be reckoned with last term, improving from a mid-table effort in 2011-12 to reach the play-offs, where they suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Dover.
The team lost just one of their final 14 regular season games, and should they carry that form into the next campaign they will be pushing for promotion. They totalled an impressive 79 goals last term, with the summer 2012 signings Craig McAllister and midfielder Jai Reason netting 35 between them.
Whitehawk begin the 2013/14 season having gained back-to-back promotions – and three in four years – and represent a tempting outside bet at 12/1.
The Brighton side were impressive in wrapping up the Isthmian league last term, averaging over two goals per game, and losing just four times over the 42-game season. The Hawks also won the Sussex Senior Cup, and have managed to re-sign Tommy Fraser for the upcoming season after the midfielder left the club in February to play in Australia.
Manager Darren Freeman has also managed to sign former Northampton Town striker Jake Robinson, despite interest from clubs in higher divisions.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
