FORMER Colchester United goalkeeper Mark Cousins has signed for Ebbsfleet United.

The 35-year-old, who made 70 league and cup appearances for the U's between 2007 and 2014, was offered a new contract by Bromley but has instead opted to join the National League South side.

Cousins told the Ebbsfleet website: “I’ve played a lot at Bromley, Barnet and Dagenham over the past few years and when you get to a certain age in this game, you want to play games and enjoy your football.

"But you also want to achieve things and that’s why Ebbsfleet has attracted me, to be part of a team that’s aiming for promotion and kicking on to another level. That’s why I’m here.

“The National South is going to be a new experience and with new teams to play against for me.

"In terms of the quality, I’m sure the standard is very high. Some of the teams that do come up to the National League maintain it well and many look to go one better so it’s definitely competitive.

"The likes of Dartford are strong, local teams to me like Chelmsford and Braintree can be hugely competitive so I’m looking forward to that new experience.”

Gazette:

Cousins came through the youth ranks at Colchester and was handed his debut by Geraint Williams in 2007, when he came on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Bristol City at Layer Road.

He played under a number of different managers during his time at the U's and also had a number of loan spells during his spell at the club.

Cousins eventually left to join Dagenham and Redbridge in 2014 and also had a spell at Barnet, before joining Bromley for a fee in 2019.

He established himself as a consistent performer in the National League.

Cousins was part of Bromley's squad that won the FA Trophy at Wembley last month, following victory over Phil Parkinson's Wrexham.