WALKING WITH THE DARTS
Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things related to Dartford FC, courtesy of Dartford Living Magazine.
Since the 2023-24 season reached its conclusion, it has been a quiet, restful time for some of us involved with Dartford FC. However, many have been working vigorously behind the scenes to get everything ready for the new season, as we begin a new life in the Isthmian Premier League.
The league may have changed, but the football club remains, as it always will. And the season ahead offers us all a fresh start, with different grounds to visit, which adds to the excitement of another busy ten months of proper football… All of which begins with pre-season in July.
It’s no secret that the drop from the Vanarama National League South has had repercussions both on and off the field. However, Ady and his team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to rebuild the squad. Not just rebuilding player-wise, but on a psychological level too, as the manager bids to lift his players to take on the challenge of returning to the National League South.
We must remain realistic as well as positive, because the Isthmian Premier League will be no easy task. There are many good teams in the league, all of which will be challenging for promotion. So, we must be honest with ourselves and get settled quickly.
The challenge of rebuilding the squad has seen Ady working at all hours, and one of the first new faces to arrive was new Assistant Manager Roland Edge. Roland played alongside Ady during their Gillingham days, and the former joint manager of Folkestone Invicta has become an important member of Ady’s coaching staff.
I’m delighted to write that hot prospects Olly Box and George Whitefield have both agreed new contracts with the club and became the first two signings made in the off-season.
A further seven new players have arrived since the beginning of May. So please welcome Denzelle Olopade (midfielder), Jacob Marsden (goalkeeper), Callum Jones (striker), Dwight Pascal (defender), and Ben Allen (midfielder). They’re joined by former Dartford players Duane Ofori-Acheampong (striker) and talismanic midfielder Samir Carruthers. I’m sure there will be many more new faces to arrive at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park by the time I next write in these pages, so keep your eyes on the football club’s official website and social media sites.
Unfortunately, many players have left the club for pastures new since the end of April. Whilst there isn’t room here to thank them all individually, I’d like to thank them all for their hard work and efforts throughout their time at Dartford. I’m sure you’ll all agree that we wish them every success for their futures and that they’ll always be welcome back at the club. Afterall, once a Dart, always a Dart!
There is, however, one certain individual who deserves a very special mention in these pages… Jay Berkhauer. Jay is the reason our pitch has been in such a great state during recent campaigns, despite the many days of extreme weather. He has been a marvellous groundsman, who will be sorely missed by many as he moves on to pastures new. Not only are his talents there for all to see, but Jay has shown extreme professionalism in his role, while being an absolute joy to talk to each matchday. His presence and sense of humour are intoxicating and, I for one, will miss him dearly. Jay wherever you end up, we wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for everything. You’ll always be welcome at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park.
Moving on, Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s Dartford FC Women’s side enjoyed huge success last season. The ladies finished second only to Dulwich Hamlet in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Premier League, falling just three points shy of their rivals. Lizzie Adams and Co won an amazing eighteen of their 22 league games played. They were also the only side to finish with a 100% record at home, an incredible record! They also completed the cup double, by securing success in the Kent Cup Final and League Cup Final. Congratulations ladies!!
Everyone involved with the football club is really excited to see what Connor and Martin’s team can achieve next season, as they bid to challenge for promotion and honours once again, as well as breaking more records.
There are many exciting things happening off the field as well, including a new bar for season ticket holders, a new burger bar and sweet shop, plus many events throughout the year ahead. Please keep an eye on our official website and socials for future details. Meanwhile, the annual DFC Community Fun Day was a huge success. So, thank you to everyone who attended.
Finally, pre-season begins with Charlton Athletic coming to town on Saturday 6th of July. All tickets and information regarding all pre-season friendlies can be found on our website, so please do come along and enjoy some football under the sun. And don’t forget that the Champions Bar is open for all Euro 2024 games, so do please come along and enjoy a drink or two… especially to support the England team!
As always, thank you for your continued support and thanks for reading.
By Chris Palmer