PAUL Lorraine revealed the opportunity to learn from manager Liam Daish was the reason he joined Ebbsfleet.

The Fleet skipper has more than filled the gaping hole at the back caused by Darius Charles’ departure to Stevenage since he joined from AFC Wimbledon in the summer.

But it is the opportunity to learn from Daish whose stints as a tough-tackling centre-half included Portsmouth, Coventry City and Birmingham City which led Lorraine to sign for Fleet.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to play for this gaffer. He was a no-nonsense centre-half who played at a very high level and he’s watched me for a number of years so I knew that he half liked me.

“I want to just try and learn. I’m still only 26 years old. I know that’s not young in football terms but it isn’t old either.

“I’m not being funny but he’s played in the Premier League and he’s a Republic of Ireland international. If I can’t learn from him and his number two Paul McCarthy then you’ve got to be some kind of idiot.”

While Lorraine is learning on the field he is also learning off the field as he is in the final year of his degree in physical education at Greenwich University.

“My transfer to Ebbsfleet worked perfectly for me. My missus has just had a baby at the end of the season just gone. I just want to move on to a different chapter in my life so going back to part-time and going to university to complete my final year is good for me,” he said.

Lorraine is also very happy with the welcome he has received from his fellow Fleet players, many of whom are also new to the club.

He said: “I love it at Ebbsfleet. I really, really enjoy it. I’m just trying to do my best. That’s all I can do really.

“I have settled in very easily. There are a lot of new players. They’ve all been really welcoming and I feel comfortable down here.”

And Lorraine believes Ebbsfleet can reach the Blue Square Bet South play-offs as he considers the Fleet to be as good as anyone in the league.

“We want to stay in and around the play-offs and that’s where we want to consolidate. The play-offs can be a lottery so that’s our aim this season.

“Hopefully we’ve got that winning lottery ticket. I’ve been a bit unlucky in the play-offs so far in my career. I really wouldn’t mind getting a win,” he said.

However, if the centre-back is to realise his ambitions, Ebbsfleet are going to have to start picking up points at home.

The Fleet have lost to Maidenhead United and Dover Athletic at Stonebridge Road and drew against Braintree Town yesterday.

Staines Town are the next visitors to north Kent and it is possible Lorraine can provide his boss with an insight into the Swans.

He said: “I know a few of their players. They are decent so it will be a tough game. But at home I think we can win and try and get the three points.”