LUKE HAS THE FORCE OF FLEET BEHIND HIM
LUKE COULSON says Ebbsfleet United have already helped him rediscover the confidence that deserted him after an ill-fated spell at Barnet.
The 23-year-old midfielder has made a great start to his Fleet career by setting up both goals in their opening day draw with Guiseley before getting his first goal in the 2-0 win against Maidstone United on Tuesday night.
Coulson’s form for Eastleigh last season saw him tipped for a move to the Championship, but in January he made the switch to League Two side Barnet. It didn’t work out as hoped and he jumped at the chance to return to the National League in the summer to a club he feels can propel him forward again.
“It’s brilliant,” Coulson said. “A bit of fresh air, just a new start for me. The lads have been brilliant. I have a great laugh with everyone in there and the gaffer has been different class.
“From what he puts on in training to the messages he gives us, half-time team talks and the way he talks to me. I feel like he can definitely bring out the best in me again. I just love being here.
“It went a bit stale and I lost my confidence. Confidence in football is everything and you just want someone who will stand behind you, push you on and make you get better and better. That’s what I think the gaffer (Daryl McMahon) can do for me here.
“I obviously jumped at the opportunity to join the League. Hindsight, wrong club. But you never know that until you make that decision. I got sucked in a little bit by the League. Should I have waited for the summer and had more options on the table? Yeah. But I’m here. I want to get back there and I want to get back with Ebbsfleet.”
Coulson began Tuesday’s game at right wing-back, was moved to an advance role on the left – from where he scored – and ended the game at left-back.
His versatility is a big plus, but he says he’s just happy playing alongside midfielders Andy Drury, Jack Payne and Jack Powell.
“Powell, Payne and Drury – what a midfield that is as a three,” Coulson said. “Payney – unbelievable, calm, a technician. Powelly has got skills to get out of positions you didn’t even think possible.
“Then you’ve got Drury alongside them who has been there and done it. That midfield, in my opinion, you won’t find a better three in the League. So playing on the left or out wide on the right alongside that, I can’t ask for much more.”