Former Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly on title glory with Ebbsfleet United and his coaching progression

Chris Solly enjoyed two promotions with Charlton Athletic and now he has added a National League South title with Ebbsfleet United.

The 32-year-old defender has taken special satisfaction from his latest success as he had extra involvement in the Kent club finishing top of the pile.

Solly, who made 313 appearances for Charlton during an 18-year stay, is player-coach at the Fleet.

He signed for his local club in December 2020, six months after being released by the Addicks.

Ebbsfleet finished on 103 points this season – 20 more than nearest rivals Dartford – ensuring there would be no repeat of the play-off final heartbreak they suffered 12 months earlier.

Solly describes the 3-2 extra-time loss to Dorking Wanderers in May 2022 as one of the “most mental games” in his career.

Ebbsfleet led 2-1 until former Dons midfielder Luke Moore levelled deep into stoppage time. Alfie Rutherford struck to deny United glory.

“That is probably the worst moment I’ve had on a pitch,” Solly told the South London Press. “But I always feel that things happen for a reason. Having an extra year in the league meant we could improve on the squad we had.

“We brought in five or six really good players and cruised it, setting quite a few records. We’re in a much better position to compete in the league above.

“The National League is almost like League Three now, in terms of the quality. It wouldn’t surprise me if Wrexham went and got promoted again, out of League Two.

“We want to consolidate. It’s a bit like when I was at Charlton, you aim to get to 50 points as quickly as you can and see how many games you’ve got left. The first time we went up to the Championship we did that – you’ve got 15 games to go and you’re in an unbelievable position to start looking higher and competing at the top end.”

Solly was a key part of Chris Powell’s all-conquering Addicks team which finished top of the pile in League One in 2012. And he played 38 games but was an unused sub when they usurped Sunderland at Wembley in the 2018-19 season.

Asked how those compared to Ebbsfleet’s achievement, he said: “It means just as much. Whatever level you are playing at, winning a league will always feel incredible.

“As a player-coach, I’ve been fortunate to be in the gaffer’s office with him (Dennis Kutrieb) and his staff. I’ll see the planning and prep that goes into every game. It is something I’ve appreciated, because I’ve seen the success from both sides.

“I don’t think you are aware of that side when you’re just a player. You have to be quite selfish, in a way, because you have to make sure you’re worrying about performing, to stay in the team.

“This season I’ve seen the effort and hours they put in to focusing on the opposition or the game plan – how we can cause them trouble.”

Solly looks set to move fully into the coaching side when the time comes to hang up his boots.

He has just completed his UEFA A license – funded by Ebbsfleet – and was on the same course as Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, former Palace winger Julian Gray and ex-West Ham defender Elliott Ward.

Jake Forster-Caskey and Darren Pratley, team-mates at Charlton, were also studying at the same time.

“I’ve had half an eye on it for a while and when I signed for Ebbsfleet it was something I was really interested in,” said Solly. “When we spoke to the manager and CEO it was a position they felt I would be good at.

“They wanted me to work alongside the gaffer and now I’ve been with him for two-and-a-half seasons there is a trust there and the relationship has got better. He has brought me more and more involved the longer I’ve been there.

“In the longer term I definitely see myself going into coaching or management, whatever that may be. I’m appreciative of the role I’m in. I want to play for as long as I can.

“You do start to see the game slightly differently now.

“I’m a season-ticket holder at Arsenal, I get to all their home games, and you understand the tactical side a bit more. You’re not just sitting there as a fan just enjoying the game. You look at why a team has set up like that and how are they hurting the opposition?”

There are other South London connections in Ebbsfleet’s squad. Ex-Wimbledon striker Dominic Poleon has been hugely prolific. Josh Wright was on Charlton’s books with left-back Joe Martin, who had a couple of years at Millwall, also adding experience.

Solly was named in National League South’s Team of the Year.

He predominantly played at right-back for the Addicks but is now in the middle of a three-man defence.

“The style of football we play, it’s a pleasure to play in,” said Solly.

“Especially the position I’m in. I get a lot of the ball and we very rarely go direct. We play out from the back and have got good, footballing defenders.

“We play with a 3-5-2 but we’ve got wingers as our wing-backs and two full-backs are on the right and left of the back three. We’ve got players who are good at defending one-v-one situations – understand the defensive side – but are also very comfortable on the ball.”

Solly had a testimonial at Charlton in July 2019, Aston Villa the opposition in SE7. He said: “I’ll always love the club and follow it. It was the first team that my little boy started following, his first kit indoors is a Charlton one. Every week I look at what their line-up is and what their result it.

“It’s been a difficult season but hopefully there is a turnaround in the ownership and the club can really kick on again, start competing at the higher levels and get back to where they belong.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD