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Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb wants National League win over Kidderminster Harriers to honour late former club secretary Peter Danzey

Manager Dennis Kutrieb believes his Ebbsfleet squad has extra incentive to get back to winning ways this weekend.

The Fleet host Kidderminster in the National League on Saturday, the first home game since the passing of former Ebbsfleet club secretary Peter Danzey.

Former Ebbsfleet United club secretary Peter Danzey. Picture: Andy Payton
Former Ebbsfleet United club secretary Peter Danzey. Picture: Andy Payton

Peter passed away last Friday and it’s bound to be an emotional day at Stonebridge Road.

“It’s the first time back at home,” said Kutrieb. “It’s my biggest wish, that we go out and win the game for him.

“We have a few new players and over the years the squad changes so some of them knew him very well and others didn’t know him at all as they never met him in pre-season.

“But it will still be a very sad day for all of us so we’ll try all together to get the win for him as that’s what he would have liked and loved most.”

Kutrieb added: “Everyone knew him and we’re trying to be there for his family.

“It’s very sad for all of us, he was one of the first people I met when I came over three years ago, he was always trying to support me along with Damian and the other staff.

“He was a vital part, especially in that first year for me when he was at the club on a daily basis. It’s very sad, his wife Maggie was with us every day as well and it’s a tough time for her and the family.

“He was very supportive to me and he told me all the old stories from the club. He told me what was good and bad, and how things worked out in the past.

“We’re going to try and get a win for him this Saturday.”

On the pitch, the Fleet will be aiming to respond following last week’s 4-1 reverse at Gateshead.

That saw two passing teams go head-to-head but Kutrieb expects a different clash of styles this weekend.

“They will give us exactly the opposite from Gateshead,” claimed the Fleet boss. “It won’t be technical at all, it will be intensity and duels, it will be about delivering the basics and doing the right things in the right moment.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s good to see if we’re able to deliver the other side and win our duels and 50/50s. It will be a physical battle and we need to make sure we get our game on the pitch and make an impact.”

Omari Sterling-James could feature against his former club. He’s being managed carefully after being on international duty for much of the summer break.

“It’s a potential,” confirmed Kutrieb. “He will train and we’ll make a decision. We need to still manage his load right because he was with internationals when everyone else was off, and he still needed to train and play.”

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