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Ebbsfleet United manager Daryl McMahon flew to Kuwait for talks with Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi

00:00, 03 June 2017

Daryl McMahon's new five-year contract as Ebbsfleet manager was agreed after talks in Kuwait with the club's owner.

McMahon and vice-chairman Peter Varney flew out to the Middle East a week after the Fleet's play-off final victory against Chelmsford.

They met Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi to talk about McMahon's future - among other things.

Ebbsfleet United owner Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi Picture: Andy Payton
Ebbsfleet United owner Dr Abdulla Al-Humaidi Picture: Andy Payton

Dr Al-Humaidi said: "We had a chat to discuss the past season, discuss the upcoming season and the future plans. It was a very useful day in Kuwait.

"We wanted to show our commitment to Daryl and to the set-up he’s brought to the football club. Achieving 180 points over two seasons is a great achievement and the quality of the football played is really good.

"In terms of showing our commitment, this (contract) is what we can do to show our gratitude to Daryl and his delivery of results and football played.

"He’s a very smart individual. He can cope and adapt quickly and this is exactly what you want in a person who’s managing a football club."

McMahon, who joined Ebbsfleet as a player in 2013, is now contracted to the club until 2022.

He said: "It means a lot to me. I’ve been here four years in various different roles and I’m very committed to the club. It’s nice to see the club are committed to me as well.

"Last weekend I went to Kuwait with Pete, we had two days in Kuwait with Dr Abdulla and we went through various things - players, staff and what we want to do next season and over the coming years. He’s just very supportive of what we want to do.

Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon Picture: Andy Payton
Ebbsfleet boss Daryl McMahon Picture: Andy Payton

"We’ve made this long-term contract together and I’m looking forward to it.

"It’s a great gesture from the owner and Peter Varney, who both have backed me hugely since I’ve been here in all my roles.

"It’s pivotal to promotion and it’s pivotal to everything we’ve done so far, knowing I’ve got that support from Dr Abdulla and from Pete. It’s very important for me to know I have that backing - and it shows.

"The owner is the leader of the club and he’s shown great belief in me.

"That gives me and the players confidence and we know what we’re doing and we know the structure of the club, moving forward, which is great for me and for the players."

Ebbsfleet are expected to announce their retained list this week.

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