Contract security and Football League ambitions were two reasons which helped Aaron McLean make up his mind on a move to Ebbsfleet United.

McLean has been training with his new Fleet team-mates this week after signing an 18-month deal at Stonebridge Road.

The 32-year-old had been offered a short-term extension to his deal at Barnet, who he joined last summer, but opted instead for a return to non-league football.

McLean explained: "I only signed at Barnet until January. They wanted me to stay but I know Macca (Daryl McMahon) from before, he spoke to my agent and they expressed an interest.

"I met him, he explained to me what they’re trying to do here, what they’re trying to build and it was something that appealed to me.

"I’m from just down the road so I knew they were expanding the area and building a theme park but I didn’t really know too much about the footballing side.

"I had a meeting with Macca, he talked me through it and basically sold me the club there and then."

McMahon said: "I’ve known Aaron a while. We’re the same age so I’ve played against him a lot over the years. I heard his contract ran out with Barnet on January 18 and I thought it was something we could get done.

"I think we’ve been good all season defensively but you need goals to win leagues and he just gives us another option.

"He’s very hard-working and he’s based his whole career on that.

"He runs in behind, he’s got decent pace, he’s strong, he’s a pest and he’s what I call a scruffy finisher. He gets those horrible goals. He’s brave, he puts himself in positions to get tap-ins and follows shots in. He’s just a good goalscorer."

McLean made 22 appearances at Barnet, scoring five goals for Martin Allen's side.

He said: "I was starting every week and if things had been different, I would probably have stayed. But they wanted to offer me a six-month contract, which didn’t really work for me. I wanted a bit of stability.

"I’m in Romford at the moment so (Ebbsfleet) is not too far from me. I’m from down this neck of the woods anyway so everything worked for me.

"Especially with what they’re trying to achieve, that was definitely huge for me because I want to be in teams that are successful. There’s nothing that makes a footballer more happy than being in a successful team."

McLean could make his Fleet debut at home to Margate on Saturday.

McMahon said: "It will be easy to find a place for him - but it’s down to him as well. He’s got to work hard and do the right things.

"His first day training was yesterday (Monday) and he looks sharp and fit."

McLean said: "I can’t wait. I just want to play football, that’s the main thing for me.

"I want to be winning games and the sooner I can get out on that pitch, the better for me.

"I don’t know what the team will be on Saturday and with the team being top of the league, I know I’m going to have to compete for my place but I’m confident in myself, in my ability and hopefully once I get that opportunity, I can score the goals to help us get into the Conference."