Former Ebbsfleet United captain and assistant manager Paul McCarthy died suddenly aged 45 on Sunday night.

Fleet fans have great memories of McCarthy, who captained the team in the 2008 FA Trophy final victory before accepting a role as Liam Daish’s assistant at Stonebridge Road after making 162 appearances at the club.

He stayed at the North Kent outfit in the number two role until 2013 when a change of owner meant both Daish and the fan favourite left the dugout at Ebbsfleet.

Andy Ford brought the defender to the club nearly ten years previously when, in 2004, McCarthy moved from Hornchurch, becoming a Fleet legend during his time at the club.

The Irishman had an established career in the lower level of the Football League, having also played for Brighton and Hove Albion, Wycombe and Oxford United before moving to the South East’s non-league scene.

McCarthy also made 10 appearances for the Republic of Ireland’s U21 side, scoring ten goals at the same time as his future boss, Daish, was making first team appearances.

Daish tweeted this morning: “At a loss for words at the news my skipper, my assistant, my mate Paul McCarthy has passed away. Sleep well big man. R.I.P”.

One of Ebbsfleet’s most recent major successes may also not have happened if it wasn’t for McCarthy. Leading his squad through the 2007-2008 season at a time of major changes for the club, the skipper scored in the first leg of the FA Trophy semi-final against Aldershot before showing his professionalism and commitment by ensuring the Fleet were able to go all the way, lifting the Trophy after a 1-0 win over Torquay at Wembley.

It’s a loss being felt all over Kentish football today with tributes pouring in.

Jay Saunders tweeted “Absolutely gutted to hear the news about Paul McCarthy, probably the best centre back and captain I ever played with and a top bloke” this morning, whilst Ebbsfleet players past and present including Yado Mambo, Matt Godden and Craig Stone have also sent out tributes via social media.