Last weekend saw Dartford host Bath City, as the new season kicked-off at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Striker, Harvey Bradbury, featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Having arrived on loan from Dorchester Town towards the end of last season, Harvey Bradbury scored five league goals in ten appearances for Dartford. His excellent form culminated with a fine 13th minute goal against St Albans City in the play-off semi-final… a game that we obviously don’t need to be reminded of.
Since then, though, the 24-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a permanent deal at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. In fact, he was one of the first signings completed by Alan Dowson during the off-season. So, why did he decide to make his Dartford loan deal a permanent one?
“My loan spell was one of the reasons why I decided to sign for the club. I really enjoyed my time here, the fans, the players, and the staff were all brilliant towards me. I couldn’t thank them enough. I get on really well with Dowse, so I felt that Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park was the place to be this season. Our ambitions haven’t changed (from last season), we want to get out of this league (and into the National League)!”
It’s clear during our discussion via various WhatsApp messages, that Harvey is ready for the challenge to compete in the National League South once again, as well as wear the Dartford shirt for a full campaign… “Yeah, I’ve got some good friends here now. I’m glad to be back training and, despite us going through a tough pre-season, I’m really looking forward to the fifth of August.”
And what about his off-season? “I’ve been away twice since last season finished. I travelled to Zante (Greece) with the family, then went to Marbella (Spain) for a friend’s wedding. It was an unbelievable experience, although a little messy… HaHaHaHa! It was four nights of fun, which I think was well-deserved after last season.”
It sounds like he’s had rather an eventful break, but now Harvey is back into the groove of training. How challenging is it for him to balance his fitness levels with working life?
“Well, as you already know Chris, I keep on top of my fitness levels by training with Eastleigh FC a couple of days a week. Dad is obviously the First Team manager there, and it’s only about fifteen minutes from my house. So, I train with them to keep me fit. Also, as I mentioned to you last season, my working life consists of coaching the U18s at Eastleigh, so work is all football-related. It’s not too hard for me to balance my working life with football for Dartford.”
Before we continue with the next section of our discussion, does Harvey have any words for the Dartford supporters that he’d like to share?
“Yeah Chris, I do have a quick word for the Dartford fans… I really want to thank you all for your support towards me and the club last season. We’re going to need that support even more this season in order to help us get over the line. We really appreciate that… Up The Darts!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition? I’m a Christian, but I always step out onto the pitch with my left foot first. Plus, before a game, I always splash my face three times with water from the sink!
Best Memory? My best memory as a footballer would have to be the play-off goal (against St Albans City last season). I’ve watched that goal so many times, reliving that moment. I was just gutted that it wasn’t enough to get us across the line.
Biggest Influence In Your Career? My Dad! Mum and I would often travel to watch him play. If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be in football myself to be honest.
Best Goal Scored? The play-off one! However, there was one that I scored at Woking for Dowse against Oxford City. It was in the last minute, it put us top of the league with two games left, I think. It was a chest and volley that went in off the crossbar, which was nice. I don’t normally score good goals, they’re usually from six yards out!
Most Under-Rated Player You’ve Played With? Zac McEachran at Oxford City! I believe that he can play at a higher level than he currently does.
Most Under-Rated Player You’ve Played Against? Lewis Manor! He was very good at Concord Rangers last season, and probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves… He’s obviously signed for us now, which is good!
Biggest Influence In The Dressing Room? That’s a tough one! We’ve got some good characters here… Luke Coulson… He’s the Dad of the group. He also looks after the fines… He’s the Fine Master!!
If you were to be involved with a five-a-side tournament, and had to select the best players you have played against, which five players would you choose? In goal, Illan Meslier of Leeds United. I was at Millwall at the time, and I played against him when he was in Leeds’ U23 side. We drew 1-1 and I managed to score a penalty against him. In defence, Sergino Dest of Barcelona. He was at Ajax at the time. He played at right-back and was unbelievable! In midfield, Jack Wilshire of Arsenal. I couldn’t get anywhere near him, couldn’t get the ball off him! Alongside him, I’d have Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton. He was at Watford at the time. We played them in the FA Cup… Good player! My striker would be Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal. Every time I played against Eddie, he scored a hat-trick… HaHaHaHa… three times in a row!
By Chris Palmer