New Manager

[PeteSamson]

I am more than happy with Ben's appointment. I have been following his efforts at Margate for a while, as an ex Dart, especially as he was appearing quite often as a goalscorer.
I knew he has been working at our academy for some time, so I'm guessing he has been involved in the progress of some of our current players such as George, Ollie and Sam.
I hadn't realised he was living in Dartford, so any travelling time he has been putting into travelling down to Margate is time he can put into the Darts.
I've got no problems with what is seen as lack of managerial inexperience, as I'm sure his time at Margate has been a useful experience.
As someone has said, Tony Burman started his managerial career in a similar situation, and I can recall some fans then saying it was the wrong decision as he had no managerial experience. History proved otherwise. There was also a certain Alf Ackerman who came to the club as a player manager and I'm sure he had no managerial experience either.
I thought Ben came across very well indeed in his interview. He only left the club because he wasn't wanted by Steve King. His head and heart is with the Club.
I might be wrong, but I think it is a good appointment and hope it goes well for us.
A run in the early stages of the FA Cup would be a good start after we have failed to overcome teams from lower leagues in recent seasons.

COYD

[Pedro]

Add Graham Carr to the list of managers without previous managerial experience.

[Lars Resort]

As much as I say that I am giving Ben my backing, the more I am hearing the more I think this is a backward step.
If we get some quality players in then I might eat somebody's hat.
But at the moment I'm finding this so underwhelming.

[KentC]

A job for the boys who will be yes men, perfect for the board. Embarrassing lack of ambition and ability to bring in a proven manager at this level or above. Does no one want us, or do they not want anyone outside infiltrating the boys club. To hell with ambition.

So they know the club etc etc, well that’s dandy. This won’t make a difference to a top manager at this level, not a bit.

Typical boys club yes men appointment who won’t challenge the board the same way an external experienced manager would.
This board have no ambition other than to have a club to play with for their mates on a Saturday. They have to make changes, the people that saved the club are destroying it by living in the past and using it for their toy.

I will support Ben 100 % and back him as he’s the one the hot seat.

[Johndfc2]

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.

[KentC]

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.

You say I always bring up , it’s not just me. I could very well explain this in detail but it will take a bit of time and I’m not wasting my time on your incompetence. If you want to put your head in the sand that’s fine. If you don’t understand the point that’s because of your ignorance or your brain capacity is too small. Or both.

If you don’t like my posts feel free not to read them, I really don’t care, your input means nothing to me.
I’m happy you’re content with the downfall of this great club but I’m not.

I’ll back Ben, I back everyone who represents the badge no question 100% every time.

As for you, if you don’t like my opinion that’s fine.
I won’t explain it, I don’t think you’re intelligent enough to understand it.
I’m not the only one who’s said it and it’s been explained many, many times before.

Possibly do your research and don’t waste my time with uneducated questions.

[DA Mikey]

Kind regards,

[Sleightly Deceptive]

The beauty of opinions is that if someone doesn’t like yours, offer them one or two more to choose from.

[Ring of fire]

Fair points...
I'd like to think that this is a young boys and girls' club too.
Love and Kisses xx

[Ajaxman DFC]

Lively debate between Johndfc2 and KentC. Yes we've had three experienced managers who aren't yes men.
Two were sacked while one walked against the board's wishes as he felt he couldn't take the club any further.
Make of it what you will.
It will be interesting to see how Pennock goes with Ramsgate and their resources next season. Also where Eastbourne will finish under Kingy if they find themselves in our league. Chatham will be up there again. Plus there will be last season's under achievers like Dulwich and St. Albans having a real go at it.
Next season could prove even tougher for the Darts.

[ozymandias]

Agreed Ajax, if we thought last season was tough, think again.

[Pedro]

On this season's showing, the top teams are not the problem - we had a good record against them. It was the lower teams away from home that was the problem.

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Ajax and Ozy - exactly. I’ve been saying for ages that the longer you languish in a division, the harder not is to get out. Generally. Pedro is spot on. We need to get rid of that lower club jinx. We’d have gone up if it hadn’t been for a shit showing against the bottom four plus a few.

[Johndfc2]

Not really a debate to be fair and I wasn’t gonna allow myself to argue. My honours degree probably answers one of those questions. However, despite his rant about my intelligence, he still didn’t simply answer the question. I shall try again. Did Steve King, Alan Dowse or Ady Pennock have any association with the club or the old boys network before they joined his manager. Simple question.

[Spike]

... which is why so many people no longer post on the forum.

[MickW]

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.

Spot on.

[Spike]

Ajax and Ozy - exactly. I’ve been saying for ages that the longer you languish in a division, the harder not is to get out. Generally. Pedro is spot on. We need to get rid of that lower club jinx. We’d have gone up if it hadn’t been for a shit showing against the bottom four plus a few.

This is very true. The squad was good enough to finish top 3 but drastically underperformed against the poorer sides and were hopelessly incapable of good game management in the final minutes when leading. The biggest problem was we had no leadership on the pitch and no credible captain. But the core of the side was sound and it wouldn't take much to fix it. I have to believe we can get promoted but I believe everything hinges on good recruitment.

[Babylon]

Well. I am happy to give our new manager a big welcome. and wish him well.
He has a huge task on his hands if DFC are going to become a title challenger.
As far as I know we do NOT have a :"money man"
to splash the cash.
So all the very best and Welcome Sir.

[old git]

I wasn`t excited by Ben`s appointment, I thought he was a money saving option by the board. A more experienced manager might have commanded a higher salary. After listening to his interview, he talked a good talk, so I will get behind him and wish him all the best. UP THE DARTS.

[DartfordHero]

Just seen a tweet from Ashford that we are playing them in a pre season friendly on Saturday 1st August at home