Last night saw Dartford host Potters Bar Town at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. New Captain, Josh Hill, featured in the matchday programme. If you missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
The signing of Josh Hill was a masterstroke by Ady Pennock, as the now 33-year-old defender brings a huge amount of experience and leadership qualities to the rebuilt Dartford squad.
The 2024-25 season will be the start of a third spell at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, whereby Josh had registered more than 58 appearances for the Darts. And, the centre-half was in good spirits at the time of our conversation…
“I’m feeling very good thanks Chris, but also very old! I’ve just turned 33, and the changing room is full of teenagers… HaHaHaHa! I bring the average age of the squad up by about eight years!”
Not only had Josh celebrated his birthday at the time of our discussion, but he was also extremely happy at having recently signed for the club… “Yes, I really enjoyed both of my previous spells here. There’s a lot of good people here, and the club certainly doesn’t belong at step three. Our ambition and intention has to be promotion straight back to the National League South.”
Josh has returned to be an integral part of the Dartford defence, and Ady has also entrusted his most experienced player with the Captain’s armband this season. Something which Josh is clearly delighted and honoured by…
“It’s an absolute honour Chris! I’ve been around long enough to, hopefully, bring leadership on and off the field. With such a young squad, I really hope my experience and leadership abilities will go a long way.”
Having been in attendance for the pre-season fixtures myself, there has been a definite positive change in the squad on the pitch so far, as Ady’s influence and ideas are beginning to show fruition. Despite it being only pre-season, there is a sense of togetherness on the pitch, and Josh’s voice and leadership abilities are having an immediate impact so far. The players are playing for each other, as well as the club, and fitness levels have improved too.
Considering Josh’s age and experience, I ask him how he keeps himself match fit and motivated to continue playing in Non-League. Afterall, he also works full-time outside of the game…
“I work at Tesco’s Head Office, where I look after the Operations Team for the in-house Creative Studio. Trying to remain fit isn’t easy Chris, as I work full-time and am a parent too. But, I’ve been doing it for years, so feel like I’m used to managing it all.”
He continues, “I always try to prioritise my fitness, health, and nutrition, as I know how important it is. I go to the gym regularly, cook home-made meals a lot, and look after my mental health. Looking after my health, fitness, and mental health are all big priorities for me.”
As we mentioned, Josh has a full-time job outside of football, as do many of his peers at this level. Did he ever have aspirations of becoming a professional player?
“Yes, definitely Chris. I only really had a sniff of it during my mid-20s. But I had a good job and a mortgage, so I never made the leap to play on a professional level.”
As we reminisce, I’m reminded that Josh is one of the most experienced players in this new Dartford squad. At the time of writing, almost half of Ady’s recruits have come from the Dartford Academy, which is an incredible achievement by all involved. With the state of finances within the sport, especially at Non-League level, academies are a vital part of clubs as a whole. Yet, Josh wasn’t given that opportunity…
“I wasn’t ever in a football academy Chris, nor have I ever played full-time. I only started playing seriously when I went to University in Loughborough, and I then realised that I couldn’t make a career out of it.”
He continues, “It’s hard to say if starting in an academy would have helped me personally, but it’s very likely that it would have given me a chance to play professionally. However, I wouldn’t have had the education, which will help me off the field and for the longer term.”
By reading Josh’s responses as we continue to chat over WhatsApp, it’s clear that he’s happy with how his career has panned out.
“Yes, I’ve had some amazing times in football. I don’t think I’d change anything to be honest, apart from having the opportunity to play professionally.”
And what about the future?
“My immediate plan (and hope) is to win the league this season. Then, I’d like to hang up my boots on a high and focus more on my little boy Jack. He’s genuinely already got a better left foot than me!”
Who knows, perhaps in a few years time, we’ll have another J(ack) Hill grace our pitch in black and white…? But for now, we’re delighted to have Josh back here and, to have him as our captain is an additional bonus. I’ll let him have the final words…
“It would be amazing to have Princes Park as packed out as possible. That would help us have a proper crack at promotion! But please remember, we have a young squad, so get behind us as much as you can this season.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Neither.
Favourite Food?
Steak & chips.
Favourite Drink?
Rum & coke.
TV Series or Film?
Film. Anything Disney goes down well in our house with a 3 year old!
Music or Podcast?
Podcast. Under The Cosh is my go to.
Sporting Hero?
Gareth Bale (I’m Welsh, for those that don’t know…).
Non-Sporting Hero?
My parents.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Plenty. Golf, tennis, basketball, bit of rugby. I’m loving the Olympics at the moment.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Still very early days, but Samir isn’t the quietest, and young Olly is not exactly shy! We’ve got a good mix I think.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United)
Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)
Ronaldo (R9) (Inter Milan)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
By Chris Palmer