Ebbsfleet United are delighted to announce that former Charlton Athletic full-back Chris Solly has been registered with the club to play in the Vanarama National League South.
The hugely experienced 29-year-old began training with the club this week to retain fitness as he looks to transfer window opportunities in the New Year.
Solly, who was born and lives locally in North Kent, played more than 300 times for Charlton since making his debut in the Championship at the end of the 2008/09 season.
He became increasingly influential in the Charlton side and aged 20 was voted Supporters Player of the Year and named as Young Player of the Year in 2011/12 after making 44 league appearances. And he followed up the following season with a second successive Player of the Year Award.
The 2011/12 campaign coincided with Charlton’s promotion from League One and Solly was a regular for the Addicks at right-back across the next four seasons in the Championship. He earned a second promotion with the club in 2018/19, featuring once again at Championship level last season to complete 11 years in a Charlton shirt.
Free-agent Solly departed The Valley in the summer on the expiry of his contract and until such time as an opportunity arises when the transfer window reopens, he is available for selection by Dennis Kutrieb. He has been allocated the Number 24 shirt in the Fleet squad.
Prior to his time in Charlton’s first-team, Solly spent two years as an England youth international, making 15 appearances for the national side.
Manager Dennis Kutrieb said of Chris’ arrival: “We are really pleased to have Chris train with us and register to play. During this difficult summer market for so many players and clubs, we have had many approaches from players who wish to train and keep fit but we are a tight group and to bring in players on these terms, they need to be the right character and right example.”
Kutrieb continued: “Chris has been absolutely professional in his approach and honesty, he is a quality footballer from higher up the pyramid and we respect his willingness to be fit and ready should his next opportunity present itself. His commitment to Ebbsfleet United to be available and assist when needed is a great example for any player.”
Speaking on joining the club, Chris Solly said: “I was delighted to be asked to come down and am enjoying every minute of it. It’s a great group around the club and the way we are treated, the facilities and professionalism is of the standard of a Championship club.”
“The quality of the lads is very good,” he continued. “There are players here who have played at a higher level or will go on to play at a higher level, and I’ve no reason to doubt even from these first five days of training that the boys will be right up there vying for promotion this season.”
Already having made a big impact in training, the club welcomes the experience he will bring in his time with us and we wish Chris all the best on his stay with the Fleet.
