Saturday saw Dartford entertain Hendon at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Jacob Marsden featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Jacob Marsden was the fifth summer signing by Dartford boss Ady Pennock, and the third to arrive from Chelmsford City.
Having made just twelve appearances in two years for The Clarets, the 27-year-old shot-stopper arrived at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park determined to make a fresh start. However, Jacob suffered an injury in the final pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood at the beginning of August, which ruled him out for the start of the season.
Jacob returned to action for the recent win over Leatherhead in the FA Cup, whereby he kept a clean sheet. And, the timing of our conversation sees him in good spirits…
“I’m very well thank you Chris. It was disappointing to get injured, especially when the timing was the last game of pre-season and I was feeling very good with all the work we’d done going into the first league game. Luckily, it wasn’t a huge knock and, with the help of the physios and coaching staff, I got back quicker than expected. I was also feeling very strong.”
He continues, “It was a very good feeling to make my debut at home in the Leatherhead game. Playing in games and winning them is the most important thing in football for me, so it was good to do that in front of our home fans. They’ve all been very welcoming to me personally, so it was nice to keep a clean sheet.”
Since then, he’s gone on to start the next five games in all competitions (at the time of writing), keeping loanee Matt Kerbey on the bench. But, why did Jacob sign for the Darts?
“Dartford’s a massive club mate. The manager and I had talks, and we got on straight away. He told me about all the people working in the club and how special it is. I’ve been here before as an opponent, and the support from the fans has always been huge. So, all these things made me really want to join the club.
“Ambitions-wise, for me it’s very simple… I want to be up there at the end of the season winning the league. Of course, personally, I want to contribute to that as much as possible, with clean sheets and my own performances.”
Of course, the season is well underway now, and the current group of players have been together for a few months. How does Jacob feel being a part of Ady’s squad?
“As I’ve said, this is a massive club with a brilliant fan base, and really good people all around. There’s a great connection and spirit already building in the dressing room. So, all these things make Dartford a great place to play.”
Outside of the beautiful game, Jacob works for a company called FlomotionStudio. It’s a company that specialises in Height-Adjustable Desks and Bespoke Solid Wood Tops for desk-based workers. It’s a flexible job that enables Jacob to either work in an office or at his home, which is important when it comes to him keeping on top of his fitness, health, and well-being.
He explains, “Yes, I’m currently working from home and am fortunate that a gym is only a couple of minutes’ walk from where I live. That means that I can get my gym-work done and get back home quite quickly on non-football days.”
So, how does he keep on top of his fitness, health, and nutrition?
“I usually go to the gym on non-training/matchdays, and I do different things to help me become better and feel better for a Saturday. Whether that be cycling, strength training, or yoga. I also eat as well as possible during the week, and always have a balanced diet which I enjoy.”
Rewinding the clock back, a young Jacob began his football career with Ipswich Town. He represented the Tractor Boys at U18 and U21 levels, and actually became a professional player with the club. His journey eventually took him north to Hamilton Academicals, where he played in the Scottish Premier League.
It was while he was at Ipswich Town that he joined a football academy which, as he explains, helped his football career tremendously…
“Yes Chris. I joined Ipswich Town’s Academy at the age of seven, and was there until I was about 21. Of course, it helped me massively. There are probably too many things to say that I learned during my time there, especially about the game technically, tactically, etc… It was a great place to come through and I experienced an awful lot.”
As the history books will show, his journey then took him back south of the border to Needham Market and Chelmsford City, before he arrived here in Kent. Is Jacob happy with how his playing career has panned out so far?
“I am Chris, yes. Sure, everybody dreams of playing for their boyhood club or even their national team. But, it’s incredibly difficult. Yet, I still feel that I’ve achieved a lot, and I’ve worked as hard as I possibly could at the clubs I’ve played for, no matter the level. I don’t have any regrets or anything like that.”
And, what about the future?“
Football can always change mate, either for the better or the worse very quickly! So, all I’m looking forward to are the next games and, ultimately, using them to work towards winning the league and getting this club back up to the level where I believe it and its fans should be at.”
As our conversation nears its end and, seeing that Jacob has mentioned the fans, does our number one have any words for the Dartford faithful?
“I do, yes… Personally, thank you all for the warm welcome I’ve had since arriving at the club. I hope that we can have a really good year as players, staff, and fans together. Your support is so important for us as a group, and it has been amazing home and away so far this season. So, please keep getting behind us and, hopefully, we will all be celebrating a successful campaign in April 2025, and have enjoyed the journey along the way from now until then!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Neither.
Favourite Food?
Spanish.
Favourite Drink?
Irn-Bru.
TV Series or Film?
TV Series.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
David Beckham.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My parents and brothers.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Basketball and F1.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Josh and Samir. Both are great guys in the dressing room and would do anything for the boys. They’re also demanding leaders on the pitch and have huge experience in the game.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Iker Casillas (ex-Real Madrid)
Paolo Maldini (ex-AC Milan)
Zinedine Zidane (ex-Real Madrid)
Ronaldo Nazario (ex-Inter Milan)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
By Chris Palmer