Stacy Long may have parted company with Leatherhead, but the midfielder still checks the Tanners’ score after every game.

Long left Fetcham Grove at the end of October to take up a coaching role at National League South Ebbsfleet, working with the table-topper’s academy and U21 side.

After joining the Tanners last season, the midfielder played a key role in keeping them in the Ryman Premier League.

This time round, however, the Tanners were struggling when Ebbsfleet came calling.

Long, who won the FA Trophy with Ebbsfleet in 2008, said: “There were a few changes going on at Leatherhead which coincided with the approach from Ebbsfleet.

“So from a personal and professional point of view, it came at the right time.

“But I left on good terms and I enjoyed my time there. There’s a great family atmosphere behind the scenes.”

He added: “I have hung up my boots, although it does not feel like it because I spend so long on the training pitch now.”

The Tanners have been struggling with consistency, and crashed out of the FA Trophy on Saturday after a 5-1 hammering at home to Kingstonian.

They are now on a three-week break ahead of a resumption of league action at Met Police on November 21.

Long said: “Staying in the league last season after winning promotion was a great achievement, and this is the difficult second season.

“It is such a tight league that I would not be a betting man when it comes to predicting who can beat who.

“But if Leatherhead can stay up for a second season and show some improvement, then that would be another great achievement.”

Long, who has turned out for Charlton Athletic, Stevenage Borough and AFC Wimbledon, added: “I still keep an eye out for the results from all my former teams.

“I have some great memories and have made some good friends, and with Leatherhead it was no different.”

Leatherhead have announced three rearranged fixtures.

They will go to Canvey Island on December 8, and then to Tonbridge Angels on December 15.

Staines Town’s trip to Fetcham Grove will now take place on January 6.