Fleet’s newest goalkeeper Mark Cousins has experienced FA Cup runs and promotion/play-off campaigns in a career that began at Colchester United as a youth – and he believes keeping a core squad close is vital for the club going into the 2022/23 season.
The signing from Bromley is the third new recruit after Franklin Domi and Josh Wright coming into a Fleet group that has retained many of its key players from last season.
“It’s a very impressive squad that’s building here,” Cousins told the EUFC website. “Obviously, the club has retained most of the players from last year who had a very good season and just missed out. It’s important to keep a squad together that achieves together – and then to work to go one better. If you’re looking to build a squad over the years, it’s important to maintain a good core of players and add a couple every season. It keeps relationships strong and that helps new players coming in too.”
Not that Cousins will be a stranger. He’s played at the Fleet several times for Dagenham (pictured top), Barnet and Bromley and knows a few faces, too. He was part of the Barnet side alongside Shaq Coulthirst that reached Round 4 in 2018/19 and he also played alongside Elliott Romain for the Daggers.
“Yeah, I know Shaq from Barnet and Elliott Romain as well, so I’m familiar with a few lads already and plenty by name and reputation as well over the years. When I first met the management, they offered to show me round but to be honest I’ve been here and played here a few times now so it was quite familiar to me, all the surroundings. It was very professional as soon as I walked in the door and I was made to feel really at home straight away and that impression only grew chatting to Dennis before I signed as well.
“Ebbsfleet was the main one for me when it came to moving on this summer, speaking to the gaffer early on from all the options and so it was great to get it done and to be here.
“The National South is going to be a new experience and with new teams to play against for me. In terms of the quality, I’m sure the standard is very high. Some of the teams that do come up to the National League maintain it well and many look to go one better so it’s definitely competitive. The likes of Dartford are strong, local teams to me like Chelmsford and Braintree can be hugely competitive so I’m looking forward to that new experience.”
With plenty of experience behind him, Cousins declares he’s a no-nonsense custodian between the posts and that combined with a love of the game that keeps him playing, he’s here for more than just the matchday thrills.
“I’m one of the most normal keepers I’ve come across!” he said when asked if he fits the bill of goalkeeping eccentricity. “I’m definitely not one of the more madcap ones. I like consistency and level-headedness so I just get on with it. I’m not one likely to backchatting the crowd too much!
“I’ve played a lot at Bromley, Barnet and Dagenham and when you get to a certain age in this game, you want to play games and enjoy your football. But you also want to achieve things and that’s why Ebbsfleet has attracted me, to be part of a team that’s aiming for promotion and kicking on to another level. That’s why I’m here.”
