EBBSFLEET manager Liam Daish says he is “humbled” by the way the club chose to honour him before Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win against Leyton Orient.

Having been in charge at Stonebridge Road for seven years, Daish is now the club’s longest serving manager and the match was played in honour of this achievement.

And to mark the occasion, the terrace on one side of the ground was officially named the Liam Daish Stand.

Daish said: “I didn’t expect it and I’m quite humble about it.

“I’m very appreciative of the club and what they’ve done.

“The one outstanding memory from the seven years is the Wembley triumph – that will stay with me forever.”

Nathan Elder’s second half goal gave the Fleet a hard-fought victory over their League One opponents and the manager felt his side got their just rewards.

Daish said: “I was very pleased with the win, the lads worked very hard.

“It was a good workout in hot conditions we’ve not had so far in pre-season.

“We looked fine fitness wise and the lads are shaping up OK.

“Liam Bellamy had a bit of a stomach upset he was struggling with, so came off before half-time, but Tom Phipp came on and did well.”

Fleet have also announced the signing of former Exeter and Crewe defender Patrick Ada, while midfielder Ram Marwa was spotted participating in training pre-match having been invited back to the club to prove his fitness.

Daish added: “Anyone who came today can see Patrick is a good size, he’s strong and he’s quick.

“I’m glad to have him on board and I think he’ll be a really important part of anything we do this year.

“Ram is progressing well, he’s probably about three weeks away from fitness.

“Giannouis Fakinos, who was also invited back to the club, is over in Greece having a little bit of a rest and speaking to the surgeon over there, but everything is on track.”

Next up for the Fleet is Gillingham at home on Saturday and Daish is pleased to have a short break from matches.

“The week off is good, as we’ve had a few games now, so we can get some real legwork in before we go into two games,” he explained.

“It’s still pre-season, so we still need to keep on top of our fitness.”

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