Ebbsfleet United have shown a real statement of intent by bringing in former Gills midfielder Jack Payne.

The 25 year old Gravesend-born midfielder played 44 times for Blackpool last season and played for the victorious Tangerines in their final at Wembley against Exeter City.

Blackpool had an option on another year but the player has decided to return south to continue his football in 2017/18.

Capable of operating in a number of roles in a largely central midfield berth, he began his career at Gillingham where he played more than 100 games in a five-year spell and earned the club’s young player of the year award in his first season.

He had three years at Peterborough United from 2013 following a £750,000 switch from the Gills, playing with Posh in the Championship and figuring in the League One play-offs in 2013/14, plus enjoying a later spell on loan with Leyton Orient.

He becomes McMahon’s second new signing of the summer following the acquisition of striker Danny Mills from Whitehawk.

Picture supplied by Ed Boyden.