Kenny Clark has explained why the time was right to leave Ebbsfleet United.

The 30-year-old defender said job security was key when the Daggers offered him a contract until 2021.

But Clark wouldn't even have considered leaving Fleet had things off the pitch been different.

Players have been paid late more often than not this year and Clark admitted the stress of that situation ended up being a factor.

Clark said: "My first four seasons, with three lots of play-offs, were really successful and I enjoyed every minute but the past couple of months have been tough.

"It does make you think of other things, such as Dagenham popping up. I would never have thought of doing it before but it does make you think.

"I try not to take it home because I don't want to put pressure on my missus or my family.

"I try to be the man of the house and keep it to myself but sometimes you can't help it; it does go home and it has had an effect on myself and my partner. I'm sure it has on other players as well."

Clark was the second-longest serving player at Ebbsfleet when the Daggers made their approach.

He said: "I think there was interest from them and a couple of other clubs when Daryl McMahon was in charge but it was more hearsay.

"Garry Hill, the other day, mentioned to me that Dagenham were interested, that it was a good offer and I said I'd like to have a look at the offer.

"Normally when you hit 30 you only get a year and an option so for someone to give me two-and-a-half years, I had to grab their hands off.

"It wasn't an easy decision. I've made some great friends at Ebbsfleet and been there a long time but I'm thinking ahead now. Me and my partner bought a house last year and we've got a little one on the way so I've got to start thinking of other things as well now."

Clark had just been relegated with Dartford when Steve Brown brought him to Stonebridge Road in the summer of 2014.

He said: "I've come on leaps and bounds since then.

"That was a tough season, being part-time in the National League but going full-time with Ebbsfleet and training every day, I've probably played some of my best football in the last couple of seasons.

"It's made such a difference being part of Ebbsfleet and it's made me the player I am today."

Clark was part of some great partnerships at the back, hailing Anthony Acheampong and Tom Bonner as two of his favourite team-mates.

But he said: "The main one would be the big fella, Dave Winfield, who's probably the best centre-half partner I've ever had in my career. We just worked so well together and we know what we're both capable of.

"That stood the club in good stead, with Nathan Ashmore behind us, to get where we have in the past couple of seasons. It's a shame to see it go.

"It's such a great group of lads, who have become really close-knit - especially over the past season with what's been going on. I'll keep in contact with a lot of them.

"But it was the right decision for me at this moment in time to move on.

"It's a fresh new start at a club that's looking to progress with the new owners.

"Dagenham want to get back in the Football League and I'm looking forward to getting started and hopefully getting promoted in the near future."