Ebbsfleet Captain Winfield Will Sit Out Next Six Months

It's unwanted news for club and player, manager Daryl McMahon confirmed - weeks after confirming the ex York City player would captain the club this season

Fleet had hoped the centre-back would return from his knee injury before Christmas.

But it now seems that it will be February at the earliest that Winfield - who was a vital player in their promotion winning season - will be pulling on the club's shirt again.

That news may force McMahon to act and bring in another defender.

"It not what we wanted to hear," confirmed the Stonebridge Road manager.

"But obviously it's bad news for Dave too as he's a total professional and he will be missed on and off the pitch.

"We look forward to having him back further down the line."

McMahon is hopeful of a chance of fortune for his defence. Ebbsfleet have let in six goals in their past two games, both 3-3 draws against AFC Fylde and on Tuesday night at Dagenham and Redbridge.