Dartford hosted Horsham at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Hayden Bullas featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Hayden Bullas arrived on loan from EFL outfit Leyton Orient at the beginning of December, and the midfielder has become an important part of the Dartford engine room.
Since his arrival at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, Hayden has made fifteen appearances (ten starts). He scored his first goal in Dartford colours in the recent 3-2 win at Hendon.
The 18-year-old was evidently delighted to be playing First Team football at the time of our discussion over WhatsApp…
“I’m all good thank you, and I’ve never been more excited to play football!”
He continues, “It’s a privilege to play for such a big club like Dartford, and especially with the players I’m playing alongside. It’s a privilege to train and play with them week in week out.”
When Ady Pennock brings a new player aboard his incarnation of the Dartford side, their mentality is an important factor. This is true whether that signing is permanent or a loan one. And Hayden seems to fit the bill perfectly, despite his young age and this being another step up the ladder of his playing career.
“I signed for the club because of how big it is and, being a local lad, I’ve always known Dartford. So, as I said, to be able to sign for them is a privilege. My ambition while I’m here is, of course, to help win the league and take Dartford back into the National League South.”
Seeing that he has mentioned the fact that he’s a local lad, let’s take a trip back to the beginning of Hayden’s footballing journey. Afterall, with the emphasis very much focused on youth and the success of Dartford’s Academy Graduates this season, this young footballer is still in the early stages of his career.
“I actually started at Ebbsfleet United Chris. I grew up through their Academy and Orient’s, which has really helped me. The Academy has helped to improve my technical skills, which is a key part of being a good player.
“However, I think that no matter what path or Academy you’re at, you’ll learn anyway because, you’ll be taught the simple basics of the game. I believe that’s true whether you’re at an Academy or a local Sunday League team. But, in terms of technical work, an Academy works best.”
Is there a big difference to how things are done at Dartford’s level when compared to an EFL outfit like Leyton Orient?
“I’ll be honest Chris, there’s not a massive difference between my parent club and Non-League. The training is virtually the same with nice facilities. However, with education at my parent club, we have PFA and LFE, which help us. We have our free education too, so it helps us out more, whereas it doesn’t so much at Non-League level clubs. Fitness levels are the biggest difference, as you’re constantly training every day. That’s a big ask with your fitness, since you don’t get as much time off, so the demands are so high, which is something you have to get used to.”
He continues, “I always push myself to higher limits, since I’m obviously full-time at Orient so I’m basically doing fitness work every day. At Orient we get taught the right things to eat and the right training methods, and we even do Psychology classes to help keep our general wellbeing in check. We also have recovery classes after every training session, which helps us physically.”
Does that mean that he has to return to his parent club when Dartford aren’t playing?
“Yes Chris. So, I’ll train Monday and Friday at Leyton Orient, then I train with Dartford on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday is a recovery day, but I still have to do gym work on that day. This affects me, as it is a big demand throughout the week to train in the evenings and then wake up early to train again in the morning. It can be tiring, but by staying on top of my nutrition and recovery, it helps me to make sure I’m ready for the next training session or game.”
Considering such high demands on footballers and athletes in general, has Hayden always dreamt of becoming a professional player?
“A million percent Chris! It’s something I’ve always dreamed of since I was a kid. It is a dream that I want to chase and get to and make my family proud.
“I’ve had a crazy career so far, but I wouldn’t change it at all. It has taught me a lot of things and made me the player that I am today. I want to keep going and progress into the player that I want to be.”
With such a high demand for focus and obedience, any free time that Hayden gets is spent with his family and friends. When he does get the time, he likes to relax while doing a bit of fishing too. But, the main focus of his attention is his future playing career and making people proud…
“I just want to make everyone that has supported me proud. I would like to reach 500 career appearances, maybe more than that! With Dartford, I want to make sure that the club gets back in the league they deserve to be in. Even if my loan here ends, I will always love this club and would love to return because it’s a massive club.”
It certainly sounds like Hayden has his future planned out ahead of him. All he has to do is remain focused and continue reaching for the heights. Whatever happens, he’ll always be remembered as a Dartford player who wore the number 32 black and white shirt.
As our conversation nears its end, I’ll leave Hayden to say a few words to the Dartford faithful…
“Dartford fans, you have been absolutely magnificent. You have been our twelfth man. But the job isn’t done yet, so we need you more. Keep bringing that energy and support, and we will get over that finish line together and then celebrate that title!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Superstition. I always put my right shin pad on first.
Favourite Food?
Steak and Chips.
Favourite Drink?
Blackcurrant and Soda.
TV Series or Film?
TV Series.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Frank Lampard.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Grandad.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Darts.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Michael Olarewaju.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Paolo Maldini (ex-AC Milan)
Andrea Pirlo (ex-AC Milan)
Adel Taarabt (Sharjah FC)
Ronaldinho (ex-Barcelona)
By Chris Palmer