Sean Shields is relishing the chance to play under Daryl McMahon this season after a mixed start to his Ebbsfleet career.

The winger initially joined Fleet on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge in December while former Daggers coach McMahon was acting as caretaker manager.

And when his fellow Irishman landed the job on a permanent basis at the end of last season, few people were happier with the news than Shields.

He said: "I’m looking forward to working with Macca because he understands me as a player. He did a bit of work at Dagenham when I was there so he saw me a few times in reserve games.

"When speaking to him and working with him briefly last season, I know he likes players like me that want to get on the ball and make things happen.

"That makes a massive difference and that’s a reason why I was so keen to come and work with Macca in the first place.

"I knew he trusted me as a player, I knew he found me exciting and that makes you want to come and work with someone."

Shields didn’t have the same relationship with former Fleet boss Jamie Day, even though it was Day who made his loan move permanent in January.

"It was up and down after I signed permanently," he admitted. "I didn’t play as much as I would have liked.

"I was happy with my performances but towards the end of the season, just before Macca took over, I found myself out of the team for two or three games for one reason or another.

"I was surprised at not playing and I was more surprised at being left out of the squad completely.

"I did sit down with Jamie and have a chat about it but that’s gone now so I’m just looking forward to this season.

"I’m hoping, this season, to be playing consistently, show everyone what I’m capable of and getting promoted with the team."