Last weekend saw Dartford host Bath City, as the new season kicked-off at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Legendary midfielder, Elliot Bradbrook, featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:
Elliot Bradbrook… the name simply flows from the lips of every Dartford supporter, and why shouldn’t it?
The player spent eleven seasons at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, making more than 440 appearances (430 starts) in the heart of the Dartford midfield. That’s a figure that sees him placed eighth in the club’s all-time starting appearances lists and ninth in total appearances.
Not only that, but Elliot also netted an incredible 142 goals during his time at the club. That’s an average of 14 goals a year for ten years! An amazing achievement for a midfield player at any level of football. His total goal tally sees him second only to the legendary Tony Burman (with 159 goals) in the club’s all-time top goalscorers list, a feat that gives Elliot legendary status in the hearts of many at Dartford.
His journey at Dartford all began back on the 15th of August 2009, as he made his First Team debut against Horsham. And, it proved to be a debut to dream about, as Elliot bagged a second-half brace in a 3-2 victory.
Does Elliot remember it though? “I don’t remember the pre-season, but I do remember the league game yes. But, there’s video evidence, so no need to remember! HaHaHaHa!” The highlights are on YouTube folks, so do check them out.
After that debut, he went on to write himself into Dartford folklore. How does Elliot feel about those historic statistics and what he achieved at the club?
“I obviously feel very proud of my own personal achievements while at Dartford. As a midfielder, scoring as many goals as I did is fairly rare, so I definitely look back on my career with a lot of pride. Dartford has a long history, so to be among the top players to have played for the club is very special. However, I take a lot more pride from our team achievements over the years. Winning the Ryman Premier League, getting promoted to the Conference (now National League), beating teams like Luton Town, and FA Cup runs, etc… are all very special memories. And, doing all those things with the boys we had was honestly a privilege.”
With so many memories made during his time at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, does Elliot have a favourite?
“If I could pick only one, it would be beating Welling United in the Conference South play-off final. Winning was everything to me as a player, so the feeling at the end of that game was something special, which I don’t think I ever experienced again on a football pitch to be honest. It was the culmination of a long hard season, and put Dartford back into the top-flight of non-league football. So, it was a special moment.”
With his astonishing record of 142 goals, does Elliot have a favourite goal that he scored during his career?
“My best and favourite goals are different. My best was probably a long-range shot at Hampton & Richmond Borough, which flew into the top corner. However, my favourite was a header against Basingstoke in the play-off semi-final. We were only 1-0 ahead from the first leg, so that goal put us two-up and effectively secured our place in the final. So, I really enjoyed that one.”
During his playing career, Elliot obviously played alongside many players. But, who does he think was the most under-rated player he’s played with?
“Lee Noble definitely. I’ve said this before in other interviews, but Lee had everything as a player. He would have been the best player in any team, regardless of the level. But, he kind of flew under the radar a little bit. He’s still going now and is probably still the best player in his team… even though he’s five years older and four stone heavier!”
And, what about the most under-rated player he’s played against?
“Tough question Chris! Technically, I have played both with and against this player but, I felt that Jacob Erskine was severely under-rated. He was a battering ram for us up-front and didn’t get a huge amount of credit because he wasn’t banging in 20-30 goals a season. But, what he offered to the team was invaluable and was a big reason why we were so successful. So, he always springs to mind when I think of under-rated players.”
It’s been over four years since Elliot retired from the beautiful game. What has he been up to since?
“I’ve been playing a lot of golf! I have definitely caught the golf bug, and I try to get out as much as I can. To be honest, football was my entire life for many years, so it is nice to spend my free time doing the other things I enjoy these days. I get to spend my Saturdays with family and friends, drinking red wine and watching my little boy grow up. So, life is good!”
Do you still follow Dartford’s results? “Yes I do. I always keep an eye out for the results, and have been up to Princes Park a few times in recent years to watch. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and am keeping my fingers crossed for a big promotion year! Good luck to Dowse and the boys.”
And now for something completely different to finish with… I asked Elliot which five players (that he’s played alongside) he’d pick if he was involved in a five-a-side tournament. This is what he said…
“Well, I wouldn’t rush to pick myself, as I’d be useless at five-a-side! You can’t smash it into the channels on those small pitches! But, because it’s five, I would go with the old “core” group that were with Dartford together for such a long time… Myself, Lee Burns, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris, and Lee Noble. We’d be a rubbish five-a-side team, but we would have a good laugh together. Hayesie in goal though for banter!”
By Chris Palmer