DARTFORD FC | IN CONVERSATION WITH RYAN HAYES

by | Aug 18, 2023 | Walking with the Darts

Tuesday evening saw Dartford host Hampton & Richmond Borough at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Legendary winger, Ryan Hayes, featured in our matchday programme that day. For those who missed that feature, here is the full article:

The sight of Ryan Hayes bombing along the flanks of the Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park pitch must surely live long in the memories of Dartford supporters. The memory of the pacey winger always concluded with the expectation of a wicked cross, or long-range thunderbolt which had goalkeepers stretching towards the top corner.

The winger’s statistics speak for themselves, as he currently occupies sixth position in Dartford’s all-time goalscorers list with 109 goals. A figure that was reached in a whopping 627 appearances (456 starts). Those numbers see Ryan sit in third position of the club’s all-time appearances list (627), as well as fifth place in the all-time starting appearances list (456).

Not to mention the countless assists he must have created for his teammates during his two spells at the club. His first of which began back on the 16th of April 2005, as the Darts hosted Tilbury. And Ryan? Well, he scored a brace in an emphatic 6-2 victory!

Does the winger remember the game? “Oh yeah! I remember it like it was yesterday! Such a great game!”

And, what about those statistics of yours? How do you feel about your place in the Dartford FC history books? “Yeah, very proud Chris. However, I would have loved to have been able to add to those statistics, as well as made more memories in Dartford colours.”

You see, during the previous manager’s campaign (Steve King), Ryan’s services were “no longer required” and the winger left the club to join Concord Rangers in the summer of 2018… “Yeah, that wasn’t the best decision for me mate! I tried everything to get back (to Dartford), and managed to return for a final spell between the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.”

We all know what happened next, as COVID-19 reared its ugly head, and the world came to an abrupt stop. Like everyone, Ryan felt the full impact of the lockdown but, since then, life on the football pitch has improved for him…

“Yeah, after I left Dartford COVID hit, so after the break I signed for Chatham Town, which I really enjoyed. I then moved over to Phoenix Sports (where I currently remain) and we won promotion in my first season!”

As our discussion has reached the topic of the beautiful game on the field and the positivity that can bring, does Ryan have a favourite memory of his time at Dartford? “It’d have to be my first game back at Princes Park to be honest. It was just a really special day and it probably wasn’t until then that I actually realised what it meant to everyone connected with the club… and, I always look out for the club’s results and try to get to games when I can.”

And, what about goal? Does he have a favourite goal that he scored in black and white? “My favourite would have to be the one against Luton Town at home. However, the best one that I scored was against Mansfield Town at home… it just flew into the top corner!”

Having played so many games for the Darts, against so much competition, is there any particular player that Ryan came up against that he thought was under-rated? “James Meredith at Bradford City in the FA Cup. He was a left-back and, when I watched him play, I thought he was rubbish… I played against him in that game and didn’t get a kick!”

What about teammate(s)? “That’s tough because, there have been a few that went under the radar. Bur, I’ll go with Jacob Erskine. He was brilliant for us in that first year in the Conference, and I don’t think he got the credit he deserved.”

And now for something completely different to finish with… I asked Ryan which five players (that he’s played alongside/against) he’d pick if he was involved in a five-a-side tournament. This is what he said…

“Against is a toughie Chris! We were lucky to always have really good pre-season games, so I’ll go with Emiliano Martinez (at Aston Villa) in goal. He was a young keeper at Arsenal at the time who went on to become a World Cup winner of course. Adel Taarabt (at Al-Nasr SC)… he was a magician. He nutmegged everyone that went near him! I think Spurs went 6-0 up within thirty minutes! Next up I’ll have Victor Moses (at Spartak Moscow). He was at Crystal Palace at the time and had pace and power like I’d never seen before. Me and Tommy Osbourne still talk about him to this day! I’ll have Serge Gnabry (at Bayern Munich) who was at Arsenal and was unplayable in the first hour! He’s at Bayern now and is such a great player. Finally, I’ll have Danny Ings (at West Ham). He was at Dorchester Town on loan. They beat us 4-0 at home, and he was ridiculously good that day!”

By Chris Palmer

Jumping for Success

Six Dartford Trampoline club members attended a South east squad training day last weekend and collected their kit in preparation for the British Gymnastics inter-regional challenge cup final to be held at the Utilita arena Birmingham 11th to 13th July. They were...

ELLENOR VOLUNTEERS HONOURED AT THE KING’S GARDEN PARTY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Two devoted volunteers from ellenor, a Kent charity providing care and support to children and adults living with life-limiting conditions, were recognised for their outstanding service with an invitation to His Majesty The King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on...

Welcoming new Town Centre Wardens to Dartford

Dartford Borough Council has welcomed our new Town Centre Wardens to its team, strengthening the support available to residents, visitors, and businesses in the town centre. The appointment is part of the Council’s wider commitment to making Dartford a safer, cleaner,...

Mental Health Awareness Week Brings Kindness to Dartford and Beyond.

Recently celebrating its third birthday, the Kindness and Wellbeing Group has received awards for its exceptional mental health support work and has recently been featured on live TV. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, the group came together wearing green to...

LINDA ROBSON TO STAR IN ORCHARD WEST’S ALADDIN THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Will your Christmas wishes come true – OH YES THEY WILL! As Orchard West and Imagine Theatre announce that the much-loved TV personality Linda Robson will star in this year’s spectacular family pantomime Aladdin at Dartford’s Orchard West from 13 December 2025 to 04...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS

CLASS OF 2024-25 | TO THE FANS The matchday programme for our Playoff Final against Dover Athletic featured messages from the Dartford players to our supporters. For those who missed them, here are those messages: Josh Hill:"I just want to say a big thank you. The...

Dartford Borough Council marks 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe – a pivotal moment in our shared history. Following a poignant wreath-laying event on the actual day, Dartford Borough Council is marking this important anniversary on Sunday 18th May in Dartford’s Central...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | SEASON REVIEW

The Playoff Semi-Final saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM in a thrilling encounter on a lovely evening in Kent. The matchday programme that evening featured our review of the 2024-25 season. For those who missed it, here is the full article: As the 2024-25 Isthmian...

Forward2Employment: Empowering Young People with SEND to Succeed in the Workforce

Forward2Employment works alongside Fortis Trust to support young people, with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), in Kent, to find permanent and purposeful employment. We provide Supported Internships for young adults, with an Education, Health and...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | THE RACE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

As Dartford hosted Carshalton Athletic on the final day of the regular season, our matchday programme featured four players who were chasing the Dartford Golden Boot. For those who missed it, here is the full article: Regardless of what happens come the end of this...