Last Tuesday saw Dartford take on Billericay Town at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke with Dartford FC Women Co-Manager Connor Dymond, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Dartford FC Women had a terrific campaign last season, which saw them lose only two of their 22 league fixtures. However, that record wasn’t enough for Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit to claim the league title. That accolade went to high-flying and unbeaten Fulham, which left the Darts finishing second once again.
But a new season brings a fresh perspective and dreams of titles and silverware, yet last term is still a little fresh in the mind of Co-Manager Connor Dymond:
“I’m good, but last season was hard to take to be honest. But what do you do? We ran Fulham right until the end but, unfortunately, they finished the season unbeaten. I was also gutted that we couldn’t play the cup final, but that wasn’t to be. Overall though, it was a good season, just disappointing that we couldn’t win the league.”
The cup final Connor mentioned is the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League Cup Final, which was cancelled due to opponents Fulham having fielded an ineligible player during previous rounds. The Cottagers were thrown out of the competition, leaving the Darts to be handed the victory by default. A hollow victory maybe, but a victory nonetheless which sees the side win the trophy for the third time in four seasons!
Despite finishing second in the league, Connor has nothing but praise for his and Martin McCarthy’s team:
“The players have been amazing and continue to be so. They know what it takes to win, to compete at the top. Their mindset is unbelievable and really pleases us.
“Our goals are the same for this new season as they always have been, to win the league. But it’s really hard. We have to be in the top two in order to have a fighting chance, and we want to go as far as we can in the cup competitions. It’ll be nice if we can also get to the Third Round (proper) of the FA Cup too.
“A Dartford side will always have a chance. We’ll always compete and be in the top two or thereabouts. It’s very hard to say we’re going to win the league, but that’s our aspiration.”
In an effort to compete, the Dartford FC Women squad has been trimmed during the off-season, with new additions on the horizon:
“There’s been a few that have mutually agreed to part ways with us. But, it gives us a chance to rejuvenate the squad with our approach towards younger additions. It will be difficult, but new signings will gradually begin arriving. It might be a bit later rather than earlier, as players might be difficult to nail down. However, there will be new signings who will be good enough to compete in the side.
“It’s certainly a challenge. How we work in women’s football is hard, especially in getting players in. They tend to go where they feel more comfortable and, to take them out of their comfort zone and into an environment that wants to succeed can be quite tough. On top of that, continuing to motivate a group of players and how you get them ticking every season is also a challenge.”
It’s a challenge that Connor relishes though. He’s always on top of making sure that both himself, Martin, and their coaching staff have provided the girls with enough knowledge, detail on themselves, how they’re going to play, and studies of the opposition have been covered before each matchday.
“We make sure that we’ve discussed everything we need to do in order to win a game of football. On the day though, it’s up to the girls to go out there and express themselves, along with a little guidance from us on the touchline. But I love being a manager. It’s a hard job, but you get to give something back into the sport, whether you’re a manager or a coach.
“Perhaps the biggest challenge is trying to juggle managing a team, playing for a team myself, working, and juggling two kids! Trying to find childcare can be difficult, plus the kids want to start playing football themselves as well!
“However an Academy Manager once said to me that, you have to work hard every single day. There’s no time for days off. You have to be the best version of yourself every single day. That’s what I’ve tried taking forward throughout my life.”
That’s sound advice on any person, let alone someone who manages a team, works, and still plays the beautiful game himself!
Plying his playing trade at VCD Athletic FC, Connor still loves being involved in this side of the sport and is the vice-captain for the side which finished second in the Southern Counties East Football League last season. They then went on to beat Fisher in the Playoff Final to win promotion to the Isthmian South East Division.
“It’s a challenge, but I love playing for VCD and competing to try and win the league. We were unlucky to finish second last season (the story of my life…! Hahaha), but we had the chance in the Playoffs and won. That was a big achievement.
“As a player, there’s just no better feeling than running around and kicking a ball! It might take you back to when you was a kid, but there’s no better feeling.”
Connor appears to have all areas covered in football and has some sound advice for the younger generation:
“It’s very hard, but you’re learning your trade. Just try to be around people who talk football and want to help you. Express yourself and be honest.”
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don’t have any superstitions but, if we’ve done well, I try to replicate things that led up to that game in preparation for the next one.
Favourite footballer?
Steven Gerrard
Favourite football team?
Charlton Athletic
Favourite football moment?
Winning the Playoff Final with VCD last season.
Biggest role model?
My Dad. He comes to most games.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Us! We’ll have a new look about us.
Who are your biggest supporters?
Jade and the kids, and my Dad.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I like to think that I get on with a lot of people and have a lot of time for everyone.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Snooker. I love watching it, but I’m not very good at playing it!
Who will win the WSL this season?
Arsenal.
By Chris Palmer
