New Manager

[Lars Resort]

.

[Ring of fire]

After the other Kent side, like League one Bromley, now Essex National league Hornchurch, we're even lagging behind minnows Ashford, to even communicate a simple pre - season friendly...

[Mark Sweet]

Just a question about this ridiculous point that you always bring up about us being an old boys club. Just answer me just one simple thing. Our last three managers. Steve King, Alan Dowse and Ady Pennock had absolutely no association with the club before they became managers. So how is your argument stand up as just another job for the boys. In fact, this time we’re bringing in a team for the first time in an age that have all represented the club. Just another ridiculous post from you.

Well said John

KentC has no answer for you because you've made a fantastic argument which doesnt agree with hus opinion and proves him completely wrong so instead he will attack you personally

[Tall Dart]

Been following DFC from home for most of the last few seasons, except for the odd games here or there, but always look on here for news from posters I know and respect to gauge how things are going. Certainly a lot of mixed a opinions / emotions on what the club should be doing, as expected.

Personally I think we need to give Ben our support, and let results do the talking. Agree it is a gamble but he knows our setup well and with the academy background, hopefully he will have some fresh ideas on who would work well, as team players and leaders. I hold my hands up, as I have no idea what/who his contacts are, which seems to be very important in attracting talent, be it loans when the need arises or permanent signings (hence the gamble)

The fact previous managers all seem to bang on about the budget, I think we just have to accept that DFC can't just buy success like some other clubs, so maybe Ben will be a better fit for our club, than someone who has managed at higher levels, and expects to be able to sign who they want.... And when they can't have no solution.

Call me unambiguous if you like, but I think we have to build the team up over time, and get the right mix of experience and up and coming players, like we did before under Tony, which were my most memorable times supporting the team.

Let's just hope it's the right decision, and we get the feel good factor back at the club, which has been somewhat lacking of late , and we see a team (with some of our stars staying on) playing for each other, giving 100% and engaging with the fans.

Ady talked the talk, but was a bit of a wet blanket in my opinion and had no character, not someone that I think people would give their all for, week in week out. We had a poor disciplinary record under him too, not something you expect from your team captain especially.

Keep the faith (as we say in hope)

COYDs

[Lars Resort]

Poor discipline and captaincy is one thing but I would think that most will be gone over the summer.
My worry is what calibre of players will be coming in?

[Hitchin Dart79]

Maybe it’s been mentioned previously but perhaps certain higher calibre managers took one look at the situation and the division we are in and thought no thanks!

[Jonty]

It has taken me a few days to digest the decision and after speaking with various people connected with the club, the more I am coming round to this new approach. Let's face it, the last couple of dinosaurs have been utter garbo and have taken the club backwards. If you had to give me a choice between Ade & Ben, then I would choose the latter. Like Dowse, I just got fed up with the constant referral to the budget and negativity towards team selections/substitutions. Let’s give Ben a chance and welcome him onboard. On the plus side, he knows most of our players and the fact that our players have not already jumped ship with Ady to Ramsgit suggests that they were not too keen on his management style either and just maybe we can get most of them onboard for next season.

At least we didn’t go along the dinosaur route of an old school manager and this appointment reminds me of another young manager we employed at the beginning of the 80’s in Glen Coupland. This remains one of my most memorable periods of the club and I really hope Ben can bring back success to the club in the same manner that Glen did all those years ago. Good luck Ben and his management team.

Good hear from Tall Dart again and a good post.

[rambo]

It has taken me a few days to digest the decision and after speaking with various people connected with the club, the more I am coming round to this new approach. Let's face it, the last couple of dinosaurs have been utter garbo and have taken the club backwards. If you had to give me a choice between Ade & Ben, then I would choose the latter. Like Dowse, I just got fed up with the constant referral to the budget and negativity towards team selections/substitutions. Let’s give Ben a chance and welcome him onboard. On the plus side, he knows most of our players and the fact that our players have not already jumped ship with Ady to Ramsgit suggests that they were not too keen on his management style either and just maybe we can get most of them onboard for next season.

At least we didn’t go along the dinosaur route of an old school manager and this appointment reminds me of another young manager we employed at the beginning of the 80’s in Glen Coupland. This remains one of my most memorable periods of the club and I really hope Ben can bring back success to the club in the same manner that Glen did all those years ago. Good luck Ben and his management team.

Good hear from Tall Dart again and a good post.

Agreed Jonty it’s right to view every new manager positively and hopefully this one is the correct choice.
I remember the Glen Coupland era very well. He was a fabulous player too.

[Lars Resort]

Ah, yes, Glen. He knew he'd done it.
As said by a Bishop Stortford fan standing beside me on the penalty after he'd hand balled in the area.
If only to be remembered for the excellent equaliser by Terry Sullivan who we signed not long after.
Best Dartford striker ever. In my Dartford years as a supporter.

[PeteSamson]

When did you start supporting the Darts Lars?
A certain Tommy 'The Tank' Huckstepp certainly did the business for the Darts back in 1958-59, with 58 goals.
Right at the time I had just started supporting the Darts.

[Trevor B]

PeteSamson said
When did you start supporting the Darts Lars?
A certain Tommy 'The Tank' Huckstepp certainly did the business for the Darts back in 1958-59, with 58 goals.
Right at the time I had just started supporting the Darts.

Now you are talking Pete, one of my all time favourites, he could head a ball harder than any player I have seen.

[Lars Resort]

Morning Pete, 1970 was my year and yes, I've heard all about Tommy Huckstep and Ackerman.
I'm only a boy.
Terry has always been my favourite attacker as far as taking on defenders and finishing.
But I'll never forget that goal he scored against us in the semi final of the Trophy. Our defence opened up like the seas for Moses. Game over as far as Terry was concerned.

[Trevor B]

Lars Resort said
Morning Pete, 1970 was my year and yes, I've heard all about Tommy Huckstep and Ackerman.
I'm only a boy.

Alf Ackerman a manager coming as a player from Millwall to play and manage us and one I also remember, perhaps not so much for his managerial skills, but he had a tendancy to deck/chin one of the opposion defenders early or during several games as a message to our players to get stuck in and quite often if spotted by the referee a red card followed.

[Skip]

Morning Pete, 1970 was my year and yes, I've heard all about Tommy Huckstep and Ackerman.
I'm only a boy.
Terry has always been my favourite attacker as far as taking on defenders and finishing.
But I'll never forget that goal he scored against us in the semi final of the Trophy. Our defence opened up like the seas for Moses. Game over as far as Terry was concerned.

Terry Sullivan, what a player! Probably Stilly’s best signing of that 83/84 title winning side. I remember getting the train to Alvechurch with Spike and when we were joined by Sully on the trip. He was supposed to be working a shift for BT but his mate was going to clock him off so he could nip off a little early. Anyway, we sauntered to the ground from the station. Arriving well before the players’ and supporters’ coaches, managing to blag ourselves entry to the ground as players even though Sully was the only one carrying a kit bag! We won 4-0, got absolutely bladdered and that lovely fella and director, John Woolhouse, offered me and Spike a lift back on the players’ coach. Which was gratefully accepted, saving on the train trek back to sunny Dartford. Terry Sullivan definitely one of the greats.

[Ken Shabby]

Morning Pete, 1970 was my year and yes, I've heard all about Tommy Huckstep and Ackerman.
I'm only a boy.
Terry has always been my favourite attacker as far as taking on defenders and finishing.
But I'll never forget that goal he scored against us in the semi final of the Trophy. Our defence opened up like the seas for Moses. Game over as far as Terry was concerned.

Terry Sullivan, what a player! Probably Stilly’s best signing of that 83/84 title winning side. I remember getting the train to Alvechurch with Spike and when we were joined by Sully on the trip. He was supposed to be working a shift for BT but his mate was going to clock him off so he could nip off a little early. Anyway, we sauntered to the ground from the station. Arriving well before the players’ and supporters’ coaches, managing to blag ourselves entry to the ground as players even though Sully was the only one carrying a kit bag! We won 4-0, got absolutely bladdered and that lovely fella and director, John Woolhouse, offered me and Spike a lift back on the players’ coach. Which was gratefully accepted, saving on the train trek back to sunny Dartford. Terry Sullivan definitely one of the greats.

I was at Alvechurch for that one. I think it was tge same season but I caught a train alone to Gloucester that season and Terry Sullivan jumped oin just before we left so had the pleasure of his company. Not sure if this is my memory playing tricks but I remember when we got of in Gloucester he tried to head off in the wrong direction, and I had to turn him round and get him in the right direction..
Great player though and a good bloke too.

[Skip]

Morning Pete, 1970 was my year and yes, I've heard all about Tommy Huckstep and Ackerman.
I'm only a boy.
Terry has always been my favourite attacker as far as taking on defenders and finishing.
But I'll never forget that goal he scored against us in the semi final of the Trophy. Our defence opened up like the seas for Moses. Game over as far as Terry was concerned.

Terry Sullivan, what a player! Probably Stilly’s best signing of that 83/84 title winning side. I remember getting the train to Alvechurch with Spike and when we were joined by Sully on the trip. He was supposed to be working a shift for BT but his mate was going to clock him off so he could nip off a little early. Anyway, we sauntered to the ground from the station. Arriving well before the players’ and supporters’ coaches, managing to blag ourselves entry to the ground as players even though Sully was the only one carrying a kit bag! We won 4-0, got absolutely bladdered and that lovely fella and director, John Woolhouse, offered me and Spike a lift back on the players’ coach. Which was gratefully accepted, saving on the train trek back to sunny Dartford. Terry Sullivan definitely one of the greats.

I was at Alvechurch for that one. I think it was tge same season but I caught a train alone to Gloucester that season and Terry Sullivan jumped oin just before we left so had the pleasure of his company. Not sure if this is my memory playing tricks but I remember when we got of in Gloucester he tried to head off in the wrong direction, and I had to turn him round and get him in the right direction..
Great player though and a good bloke too.

Fortunately, you got him back on track, Shabby!

[Lars Resort]

Makes you wonder how he scored such cracking goals for us

[Pedro]

Article on Ben and reason for joining the Darts.

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/thanet/spo ... ub-340190/

[ozymandias]

Having just read the kentonline article and also having said that 'I wasn't over the moon' by Ben's appointment, i hope to goodness it works out for him and us as a team. He seems genuine in his commitment and seems a nice guy in general.