Dartford took on St Albans City in our last home game of 2025. Chris Palmer spoke to Eddie Dsane, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
This is Eddie Dsane’s second campaign with Dartford since his arrival from Kingstonian FC last August.
Despite injuries hindering his progress, the striker remains an integral part of Ady Pennock’s squad, having made 64 appearances (32 starts) and scoring 22 goals in all competitions.
So far this season Eddie has made twenty appearances, thirteen of which have been in the starting eleven. He has also netted eleven times to date, and has scored two hat-tricks this season so far (against Potters Bar Town and Ramsgate). Whilst both will always be remembered by Dartford fans, his treble against Ramsgate came after he came on during the second-half, which is even more impressive.
And the striker is clearly delighted to remain at Princes Park…
“It feels like home here. That’s one of the reasons why I chose to re-sign. I’m also confident that we can go one step further this year! I want to win the league with Dartford.”
He continues, “I honestly think we are going to go up. We’re good enough to win the league. I know we’ve had a shaky start, but I genuinely believe this team is good enough to win the league and go up. Last season’s team was good enough as well, but we’ve also grown this year.”
Those are certainly positive and fighting words, especially considering this season’s highs and lows. Yet, Eddie has and will continue to play a pivotal part in Dartford’s fortunes as he embraces his role within the team.
“I love playing as a number ten and as a striker. I like to get on the ball, get involved in the build-up play, and score goals of course. Ultimately though, I just love playing football. It’s an enjoyable sport where you’re able to express yourself on the pitch, which is something I like doing. I fell in love with football as a kid, and that hasn’t changed.”
Aside from goals and positivity, what does Eddie believe he brings to this incarnation of the Dartford squad?
“I believe that my self-confidence is what separates me from other players. Regardless of how things are going, I will always take shots and show a hunger for the ball. My biggest contribution on the pitch is obviously goals. I’m a goalscorer, and I like to bring others into the game as well, so assists are on my agenda too. Off the pitch, I like to bring banter to the group.”
Is there anything that he considers to be a weakness?
“I can’t head the ball! I don’t know why because, when I was younger I could but, for some strange reason, I just can’t head the ball now that I’m older.”
Is there anything else that he’s discovered or learnt from football?
“The most important thing I’ve learnt about playing football is that, football is always changing. The sport never stops. Things might not be going well at one point then, all of a sudden, things change and you’re doing well. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that, when things are going well, appreciate those moments. Don’t get too down because, football changes very quickly.”
As was previously mentioned, Eddie’s progressed has been hindered by persistent injuries. And that’s certainly been a challenge for the striker…
“Yes, the injuries that I’ve suffered have certainly been challenging. I’ve had a few that have kept me out of action for months, and that was definitely a challenge.
“But juggling football and work can also be challenging at times. It can depend on the hours and how good/bad your day has been… if you’ve had a bad day at work, it could affect how you play football in the evening. I find that it just depends on the hours but, I think I do quite well in keeping things balanced and keeping positive. But yes, it’s quite hard for us to have to work and then train/play in the evening, and the days can be quite long too.”
Does that have an impact on his motivation? Especially during the long seasons?
“Motivation is quite easy to be honest because, we have such a good squad. We all believe in ourselves and believe that we can achieve good things together. So coming into training and seeing everyone on it means that it’s kind of hard to not be motivated! Also, you don’t want to let your teammates down. When everyone’s buzzing in training, it makes you want to be buzzing in training as well. When you believe that you can achieve something as a team, it’s hard to not be motivated. I can honestly say that it’s easy to stay motivated with this squad of players because, we all believe that we can achieve something good together.”
As he’s mentioned the challenges that working full-time and playing football presents, does Eddie do any additional fitness work during the week?
“I love to play tennis and squash, and I also like to go to the gym. They’re all important to me, as is football, and I still aspire to play at the highest level I possibly can.”
And what about on matchday? How does he approach matchdays?
“I’m very casual on matchdays to be honest. I treat everything the same. I do work on my stretching and mobility before the game but, besides that, I’m very casual. I try to live by the advice I once received… a football career is short in the greater scheme of things, so enjoy it.”
Those words pretty much sum Eddie Dsane up in a nutshell. He’s a man of faith, who oozes positivity despite whatever life throws at him. He loves the beautiful game, yet keeps the bigger picture in perspective. And the advice that he once received, he is only too happy to pass on to the next generation…
“Yes, enjoy every minute. But be consistent as well. There will be times when things aren’t going your way, but if you keep doing the right things, then things will fall into place. So, be consistent and reliable.”
That’s sound advice from someone who knows. And hopefully, things will fall into place to enable Eddie to continue scoring the goals that Dartford need to achieve the success that he and his teammates so desperately desire.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I pray to Jesus before every game.
Favourite footballer?
Lionel Messi.
Favourite football team?
Arsenal.
Favourite football moment?
I don’t think I have one to be honest.
Biggest role model?
My Dad.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Us! Watch out for us!
Who are your biggest supporters?
My family and friends.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I learnt how to play chess when I was nine, and I still play it to this day.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Squash or tennis.
Who will win the Premier League this season?
My team, Arsenal FC.
By Chris Palmer