Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Moderator: Gary C
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butcheragano
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:57 am
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Maybe I have missed it but has there been an announcement /posting that Olly has actually signed a deal/improved deal ?
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Announced May 12th:-butcheragano wrote: Mon Jun 30, 2025 10:45 am Maybe I have missed it but has there been an announcement /posting that Olly has actually signed a deal/improved deal ?
https://www.dartfordfc.com/players-reta ... r-2025-26/
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butcheragano
- Posts: 46
- Joined: Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:57 am
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Ah , thanks for that was just wondering as there have been announcements that certain players had signed improved deals and so far seen nothing regarding Ollie
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Michael Olarewaju – Beast Mode: Activated
https://www.dartfordfc.com/michael-olar ... activated/
Michael Olarewaju speaks to Gareth Morgan about the squad’s ambitions as expectation levels rise.
When fitness and strengthening coach Neil Withington told the players he was taking their fitness programme up a level on the first day of pre-season training, it was music to the ears of Michael Olarewaju.
After a post-season holiday, the popular defender put pen to paper on a new contract to keep him at the Club for 25/26, last week.
A conversation with manager Ady Pennock was all that was needed to ensure their ambitions for the team were aligned.
And as the squad builds for the season opener in August, Michael can already see a steely determination and positive mentality running through the changing room – and admits there’s ‘unfinished business’ to take care of.
Michael Olarewaju
He said: “At the first training session Neil said he was taking the fitness and training up a level and that we would have to be absolute beasts. I was licking my lips, to be honest, I loved it. I’m ready for that.
“The Gaffer has set the standards, but the expectations are going to be higher. And that’s exactly what the squad wants to hear.”
Michael had several offers to move on in the close-season, but his relationship with Ady and understanding of where he wants to take the team, were among the major factors in his decision to stay.
He continued: “The Gaffer is a massive part of me staying at Dartford. I believe in him. I believe in the culture he created last season, and I know the culture he will be able to create again this year. For me, it just feels like there’s unfinished business at Dartford, following on from what we did last season, and knowing that we’ve got to take it one step further this year.
“I’ve had conversations with him about how he’s going to do that and he gave me a peace of mind to recognise we will have a team with the mindset of we’re going one step further.
“It’s very exciting. I was in the first training session last week doing the testing and a little bit of fitness work and was saying the whole energy is really positive, and there’s already a family-feel in the dressing room.”
Another factor in Michael’s decision to stay was the rapport with fans and the feeling that the Club is going in the right direction.
He said: “I loved last season. Ady got me through the door, but once through the door, from the Chairman and Directors, through to the guy who looks after the pitch, and the fans, it’s been a great experience.
“But I think it’s a joint effort. It’s not just the staff and the players that are playing on the pitch. It’s everyone. I felt the environment was amazing.
“My son’s not quite walking yet, but my daughter would run around and my wife felt safe enough to leave my daughter in the hands of various members of staff. So yes, it’s just lovely having a family environment. And I felt like my family became part of that family.
“And the fans are amazing. You come into the stadium and you realise Dartford is a brilliant club. I try to say ‘hello’ to as many as I can, but sometimes there isn’t time, there are just too many!”
Like the fans, Michael’s own excitement levels have ramped up with the addition of a number of new players.
He continued: “The players that have come in, look quality. I’m quite confident we can cause havoc.
“I think that competition is necessary. There were times last season we didn’t play well, but maybe we didn’t have the depth of players we would have liked to change that.
“It’ll do us all good to have that bit where we look over our shoulder and we think, someone could have rightly started over me. It keeps those intensity levels really high.”
And for Michael, now that Neil and Ady have activated ‘beast mode’, what’s his final thoughts on what lies ahead?
He added: “After that first training session, I went home buzzing. I told my wife how good it was and that I knew I had made the right decision to stay.
“Pre-season will be tough, but we are up for it. The season will be tougher than last year, but we are going to be training harder, so we are ready.
“The squad is looking good and strong and there will be a couple of other additions, I’m sure.
“It’s a project that I genuinely believe in and want to be a part of. I wanted to believe that this was a team that can go one step further and I believe that. I’m really excited to get going again already!”
https://www.dartfordfc.com/michael-olar ... activated/
Michael Olarewaju speaks to Gareth Morgan about the squad’s ambitions as expectation levels rise.
When fitness and strengthening coach Neil Withington told the players he was taking their fitness programme up a level on the first day of pre-season training, it was music to the ears of Michael Olarewaju.
After a post-season holiday, the popular defender put pen to paper on a new contract to keep him at the Club for 25/26, last week.
A conversation with manager Ady Pennock was all that was needed to ensure their ambitions for the team were aligned.
And as the squad builds for the season opener in August, Michael can already see a steely determination and positive mentality running through the changing room – and admits there’s ‘unfinished business’ to take care of.
Michael Olarewaju
He said: “At the first training session Neil said he was taking the fitness and training up a level and that we would have to be absolute beasts. I was licking my lips, to be honest, I loved it. I’m ready for that.
“The Gaffer has set the standards, but the expectations are going to be higher. And that’s exactly what the squad wants to hear.”
Michael had several offers to move on in the close-season, but his relationship with Ady and understanding of where he wants to take the team, were among the major factors in his decision to stay.
He continued: “The Gaffer is a massive part of me staying at Dartford. I believe in him. I believe in the culture he created last season, and I know the culture he will be able to create again this year. For me, it just feels like there’s unfinished business at Dartford, following on from what we did last season, and knowing that we’ve got to take it one step further this year.
“I’ve had conversations with him about how he’s going to do that and he gave me a peace of mind to recognise we will have a team with the mindset of we’re going one step further.
“It’s very exciting. I was in the first training session last week doing the testing and a little bit of fitness work and was saying the whole energy is really positive, and there’s already a family-feel in the dressing room.”
Another factor in Michael’s decision to stay was the rapport with fans and the feeling that the Club is going in the right direction.
He said: “I loved last season. Ady got me through the door, but once through the door, from the Chairman and Directors, through to the guy who looks after the pitch, and the fans, it’s been a great experience.
“But I think it’s a joint effort. It’s not just the staff and the players that are playing on the pitch. It’s everyone. I felt the environment was amazing.
“My son’s not quite walking yet, but my daughter would run around and my wife felt safe enough to leave my daughter in the hands of various members of staff. So yes, it’s just lovely having a family environment. And I felt like my family became part of that family.
“And the fans are amazing. You come into the stadium and you realise Dartford is a brilliant club. I try to say ‘hello’ to as many as I can, but sometimes there isn’t time, there are just too many!”
Like the fans, Michael’s own excitement levels have ramped up with the addition of a number of new players.
He continued: “The players that have come in, look quality. I’m quite confident we can cause havoc.
“I think that competition is necessary. There were times last season we didn’t play well, but maybe we didn’t have the depth of players we would have liked to change that.
“It’ll do us all good to have that bit where we look over our shoulder and we think, someone could have rightly started over me. It keeps those intensity levels really high.”
And for Michael, now that Neil and Ady have activated ‘beast mode’, what’s his final thoughts on what lies ahead?
He added: “After that first training session, I went home buzzing. I told my wife how good it was and that I knew I had made the right decision to stay.
“Pre-season will be tough, but we are up for it. The season will be tougher than last year, but we are going to be training harder, so we are ready.
“The squad is looking good and strong and there will be a couple of other additions, I’m sure.
“It’s a project that I genuinely believe in and want to be a part of. I wanted to believe that this was a team that can go one step further and I believe that. I’m really excited to get going again already!”
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Bagdhad Billy
- Posts: 432
- Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2023 5:31 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
New signing imminent 
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Sleightly Deceptive
- Posts: 1073
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:53 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Good reliable source? I mean, NewsNow will tell you we’re in the hunt for Ollie Watkins!
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
What makes you think that?
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Maybe the tease for the new kit launch?
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Bagdhad Billy
- Posts: 432
- Joined: Sat Sep 16, 2023 5:31 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Yeh just got excited with the new kit Facebook post thought it was a new signing stroking the badge 
New kit today maybe more player arrivals later on this week.
New kit today maybe more player arrivals later on this week.
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Sammie McLeod: Fighting fit and ready to make his mark at Dartford FC
https://www.dartfordfc.com/sammie-mcleo ... rtford-fc/
Sammie Interview
Gareth Morgan speaks to Sammie McLeod about his career, fitness and move to DFC.
When Sammie McLeod was involved in an horrific car accident in 2019, he was unsure if he’d be able to ever walk again, with doctors fearing he may even need his leg amputated.
With two pro-contracts in his teens, the football prodigy had the world at his feet until the day that is etched firmly in his mind.
However, not only has the midfielder battled back to full fitness, he is stronger than ever.
And now, one of the Club’s latest recruits – with two pro-contracts under his belt – can’t wait to show supporters what he’s all about and prove that his best days are still to come.
The 25-year-old said: “I don’t really remember the accident very well, but I was a little tired driving to training and somehow hit a lorry head on.
“I woke up in a helicopter that was taking me to the Royal London Hospital and found out I’d broken my collar bone and shattered my femur.
“It was a horrible experience and a really tough time. I asked the doctor when I could play football again and she said I might not be able to walk again and they talked about maybe having to amputate my leg.
“It’s been a long journey since then. I have almost started my playing career all over again during the past few years, but I’m now fitter than I’ve ever been.
“I was one of the quickest in the tests last week at pre-season training, so it shows where I am when it comes to fitness. I’m really excited to get going and showing what I am all about.”
Sammie started playing football at his local club Tunbridge Wells, then joined the Maidstone Academy system at 16. He was half-way through his first-year scholarship at Maidstone when one of the coaches set up a trial match with Leicester City.
He continued: “I was 17 and playing against Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel in goal. It was unreal, but a bit of a shock to the system.
“I’d never seen a Premiership player up close, but now I was playing against them. Leciester offered me a two-year contract and I was on top of the world. I was quickly playing and training with the U18s, reserves and first team.”
Being so young, Sammie admits he was inconsistent and struggled to settle away from home.
He was eventually let go, but went on trial to Colchester United who signed him on a three-year deal immediately.
They sent him to their feeder club Maldon and Tiptree where he had a stand-out season, with other Premiership clubs enquiring after him.
However, on 25th February of 2019, he was involved in the accident that shook his world.
He continued: “There was a lot of bleeding on the leg and they said they might have to amputate, but thankfully they managed to stem the flow. They were worried I wouldn’t walk again.
“I was in hospital for three weeks and the surgery went well and I went home, but couldn’t move from bed for about four or five weeks. I lost a lot of weight and muscle in that time and was having to be dragged into cars to get places.
“But I saw a lot of physios and worked hard, and finally got playing again.”
Five months later, he was learning how to walk again and soon worked his way back to fitness, amazingly, making his pro debut for Colchester United the following season.
He said: “I was so happy, but it had put a lot of doubts in my mind. I lost a bit of confidence. Then my mum passed away. I’m normally a really optimistic person, but I felt I wasn’t the same.”
He was later released from Colchester Utd when an opportunity to play in the Northern Ireland Premier League for Portadown arose, which he grabbed with both hands. Half a season later, he was ready to play in England again, turning out for Lewes before moving to Iceland to play for half a season.
Sammie’s goal at this time was still to play in the football league, so when Worthing came in for him, he decided this was the move that could catapult his career once again. He played regularly for half a season. However, during a month loan period at Bognor Regis he ruptured his ACL.
He said: “I thought that was it for me. I went to Thailand while I waited for surgery for six weeks with some friends and did some soul-searching.
“I had the surgery and did my rehab and got back to fitness. But my ambitions changed. I had no ego, had nothing to lose and I made the decision to start over again. I just wanted to play football. I didn’t want any more stop-starts.
“I went back to Tunbridge Wells playing centre back. I played really well for the season and got fit and strong and was ready to play up a level.”
Last season, he played more than 40 times for Sevenoaks as a holding midfielder and wants to keep looking forward – and is ready to show Dartford supporters what he has to offer.
He continued: “I had really strong season that got better and better. From there, I knew I could go up another few levels.
“I’ve been to Portugal in pre-season and got even fitter. I then spoke to Callum Jones who I had known from Colchester, who told me lots of great things about Dartford. I spoke to Ady and here I am.
“From where I was, I’m just happy to be playing football. I’m a holding midfielder, a No.4 or No.8. I have an engine and can run all day.
“I like to get the ball down and play, and break up play. I can be aggressive but like to keep the ball moving.”
With two seasons injury-free, Sammie believes he is now in the best shape of his life.
He added: “I’m a hard worker. My only goal is to do well this season. I’m not looking beyond that. But I’m in the best shape and mental state I’ve been in my career.
“I feel as though I have my best years ahead of me. It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s all behind me.
“I’m a fitness freak. I try to be at the gym every day and run a lot. On the first day of pre-season training, I was second fastest during a 1km fitness test with a time of 3m 27 seconds!
“I can see already we have a really good changing room. I’m looking forward to playing at home and Callum has told me lots about how amazing the fans are.
“It’s really exciting. It’s a brand-new challenge. I’m a winner, I hate losing. Now, I can’t wait to get going again, getting those three points on a Saturday and hopefully helping us get promoted.”
Welcome to Dartford FC, Sammie – and good luck for the season!
https://www.dartfordfc.com/sammie-mcleo ... rtford-fc/
Sammie Interview
Gareth Morgan speaks to Sammie McLeod about his career, fitness and move to DFC.
When Sammie McLeod was involved in an horrific car accident in 2019, he was unsure if he’d be able to ever walk again, with doctors fearing he may even need his leg amputated.
With two pro-contracts in his teens, the football prodigy had the world at his feet until the day that is etched firmly in his mind.
However, not only has the midfielder battled back to full fitness, he is stronger than ever.
And now, one of the Club’s latest recruits – with two pro-contracts under his belt – can’t wait to show supporters what he’s all about and prove that his best days are still to come.
The 25-year-old said: “I don’t really remember the accident very well, but I was a little tired driving to training and somehow hit a lorry head on.
“I woke up in a helicopter that was taking me to the Royal London Hospital and found out I’d broken my collar bone and shattered my femur.
“It was a horrible experience and a really tough time. I asked the doctor when I could play football again and she said I might not be able to walk again and they talked about maybe having to amputate my leg.
“It’s been a long journey since then. I have almost started my playing career all over again during the past few years, but I’m now fitter than I’ve ever been.
“I was one of the quickest in the tests last week at pre-season training, so it shows where I am when it comes to fitness. I’m really excited to get going and showing what I am all about.”
Sammie started playing football at his local club Tunbridge Wells, then joined the Maidstone Academy system at 16. He was half-way through his first-year scholarship at Maidstone when one of the coaches set up a trial match with Leicester City.
He continued: “I was 17 and playing against Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel in goal. It was unreal, but a bit of a shock to the system.
“I’d never seen a Premiership player up close, but now I was playing against them. Leciester offered me a two-year contract and I was on top of the world. I was quickly playing and training with the U18s, reserves and first team.”
Being so young, Sammie admits he was inconsistent and struggled to settle away from home.
He was eventually let go, but went on trial to Colchester United who signed him on a three-year deal immediately.
They sent him to their feeder club Maldon and Tiptree where he had a stand-out season, with other Premiership clubs enquiring after him.
However, on 25th February of 2019, he was involved in the accident that shook his world.
He continued: “There was a lot of bleeding on the leg and they said they might have to amputate, but thankfully they managed to stem the flow. They were worried I wouldn’t walk again.
“I was in hospital for three weeks and the surgery went well and I went home, but couldn’t move from bed for about four or five weeks. I lost a lot of weight and muscle in that time and was having to be dragged into cars to get places.
“But I saw a lot of physios and worked hard, and finally got playing again.”
Five months later, he was learning how to walk again and soon worked his way back to fitness, amazingly, making his pro debut for Colchester United the following season.
He said: “I was so happy, but it had put a lot of doubts in my mind. I lost a bit of confidence. Then my mum passed away. I’m normally a really optimistic person, but I felt I wasn’t the same.”
He was later released from Colchester Utd when an opportunity to play in the Northern Ireland Premier League for Portadown arose, which he grabbed with both hands. Half a season later, he was ready to play in England again, turning out for Lewes before moving to Iceland to play for half a season.
Sammie’s goal at this time was still to play in the football league, so when Worthing came in for him, he decided this was the move that could catapult his career once again. He played regularly for half a season. However, during a month loan period at Bognor Regis he ruptured his ACL.
He said: “I thought that was it for me. I went to Thailand while I waited for surgery for six weeks with some friends and did some soul-searching.
“I had the surgery and did my rehab and got back to fitness. But my ambitions changed. I had no ego, had nothing to lose and I made the decision to start over again. I just wanted to play football. I didn’t want any more stop-starts.
“I went back to Tunbridge Wells playing centre back. I played really well for the season and got fit and strong and was ready to play up a level.”
Last season, he played more than 40 times for Sevenoaks as a holding midfielder and wants to keep looking forward – and is ready to show Dartford supporters what he has to offer.
He continued: “I had really strong season that got better and better. From there, I knew I could go up another few levels.
“I’ve been to Portugal in pre-season and got even fitter. I then spoke to Callum Jones who I had known from Colchester, who told me lots of great things about Dartford. I spoke to Ady and here I am.
“From where I was, I’m just happy to be playing football. I’m a holding midfielder, a No.4 or No.8. I have an engine and can run all day.
“I like to get the ball down and play, and break up play. I can be aggressive but like to keep the ball moving.”
With two seasons injury-free, Sammie believes he is now in the best shape of his life.
He added: “I’m a hard worker. My only goal is to do well this season. I’m not looking beyond that. But I’m in the best shape and mental state I’ve been in my career.
“I feel as though I have my best years ahead of me. It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s all behind me.
“I’m a fitness freak. I try to be at the gym every day and run a lot. On the first day of pre-season training, I was second fastest during a 1km fitness test with a time of 3m 27 seconds!
“I can see already we have a really good changing room. I’m looking forward to playing at home and Callum has told me lots about how amazing the fans are.
“It’s really exciting. It’s a brand-new challenge. I’m a winner, I hate losing. Now, I can’t wait to get going again, getting those three points on a Saturday and hopefully helping us get promoted.”
Welcome to Dartford FC, Sammie – and good luck for the season!
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
That is a very good read PL. There is so much positive news coming from the club at present and a lot of that is being driven through various social media channels, which historically as a club we have been very poor at. To be successful on the pitch these days, you have to be just as successful off it and whoever is driving the process behind the scenes is doing a great job. Without spoiling the big announcement tomorrow I have just seen a post on Instagram which has already had 2k plus likes, it's a marketing masterpiece. I just can't wait to hear more about this tomorrow.
Let's Play Darts!
Let's Play Darts!
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Sleightly Deceptive
- Posts: 1073
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:53 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Yes indeed! I see what you did there. Lots of clues on the socials. Darts are going for double tops this year it appears!Jonty wrote: Thu Jul 03, 2025 7:11 pm That is a very good read PL. There is so much positive news coming from the club at present and a lot of that is being driven through various social media channels, which historically as a club we have been very poor at. To be successful on the pitch these days, you have to be just as successful off it and whoever is driving the process behind the scenes is doing a great job. Without spoiling the big announcement tomorrow I have just seen a post on Instagram which has already had 2k plus likes, it's a marketing masterpiece. I just can't wait to hear more about this tomorrow.
Let's Play Darts!
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Ben Frempah interview: “I want to win things here!”
https://www.dartfordfc.com/ben-frempah- ... ings-here/
Gareth Morgan speaks to new signing defender Ben Frempah about his career and move to DFC.
Dartford’s first team players look set to have a fight on their hands over who controls the changing room music this season.
For, not only is new recruit Ben Frempah a model, he’s a music producer by day and never far from his studio creating new sounds.
But while he has a creative streak off the pitch, on the pitch he’s a different person – with a winner’s mentality and a determination to make a difference this season.
The 30-year-old said: “I’m a defender first of all. I like to make a tackle, defend and get clean sheets. But I’m also good in the air and comfortable on the ball.
“I’m very vocal and I like to organise. If the ball is on the other side of the pitch, I will still be organising. The fans will definitely be hearing me. I like to communicate.
“I want to win things with Dartford. I’ve had a number of second places or play-off misses in non-league football.
“But there’s a winning mentality here, you can see it in the players and that was part of the attraction of coming here, for me.”
Ben started out on his first team football journey at the age of 17 playing around 30 matches for Fisher in Step Five. At the same time, he spent the year at Charlton Academy.
He then went to Cray Wanderers but was soon signing his first pro contract for Leicester City.
He said: “When I got the chance to go to Leicester it was amazing. Sadly, they then got promoted to the Premiership and they were then looking for something else.”
Ben’s next move was to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership where he got a handful of games before injury struck and cut his season short.
He later signed for National League side Solihull Moors, and then Wycombe Wanderers on non-contract terms.
He then returned to non-league signing for Ebbsfleet United before making 47 appearances for Hayes and Yeading, helping them secure a second-place finish at Step Three and also reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup. He then featured in 33 matches for Leatherhead before returning to Wingate & Finchley, where over the last two seasons he made over 90 appearances and was named Director’s Player of the Season in back-to-back years.
He said: “I got to the point where I went back to non-league football and just wanted to play. My career was a little stop-start, so I have really enjoyed the past four seasons.
“I had first team matches with Wycombe, but I wasn’t lucky with a few of the moves I made, often things like COVID or new managers coming in, seemed to hold me back. One club got through around 67 players in the season I was there!
“But I have really enjoyed my football over the past two years. I scored six or seven goals last season and set up a few – I’m good from set-pieces.
“In my first season at Wingate we finished fourth, last season we were second for a lot of it, but then fell away.”
So, what brought Ben to Dartford FC?
He said: “I know Michael and he told me all about the Club. Things off the pitch make a massive difference on the pitch. How the club is run, adds another 20 per cent to how players perform.
“Dartford is a great club, run properly, with great facilities, a brilliant ground and amazing staff and fans.
“But the Gaffer is definitely one of the reasons I am here. I sat down, had a great conversation with him and straight away loved the vibe and what he had to say.”
Ben has now had a couple of weeks to adjust to his new surroundings and teammates. What have been his early impressions?
He added: “Pre-season sets the foundation for the season. The Gaffer is definitely putting us through our paces, but we will reap the benefits of it later.
“Going to Epping Forest was an experience. I’ve had sessions like it, but every club does their own version of pre-season and I’ve really enjoyed the intensity so far.
“I knew there was a good group here. But hearing about it and experiencing it are different. Everyone has been so welcoming and the boys have taken me on board from Day One. It already feels like I’ve been here for ages.
“Now, I can’t wait until the first game of the season. The friendlies are good, but there’s something about lacing up a pair of boots and knowing there are three points to be had.
“I want to win things here. I’m a winner. And I think I can fulfil my ambitions at Dartford.”
And that’s sure to be music to the ears of DFC supporters. Welcome to the Club Ben and good luck for the season!
https://www.dartfordfc.com/ben-frempah- ... ings-here/
Gareth Morgan speaks to new signing defender Ben Frempah about his career and move to DFC.
Dartford’s first team players look set to have a fight on their hands over who controls the changing room music this season.
For, not only is new recruit Ben Frempah a model, he’s a music producer by day and never far from his studio creating new sounds.
But while he has a creative streak off the pitch, on the pitch he’s a different person – with a winner’s mentality and a determination to make a difference this season.
The 30-year-old said: “I’m a defender first of all. I like to make a tackle, defend and get clean sheets. But I’m also good in the air and comfortable on the ball.
“I’m very vocal and I like to organise. If the ball is on the other side of the pitch, I will still be organising. The fans will definitely be hearing me. I like to communicate.
“I want to win things with Dartford. I’ve had a number of second places or play-off misses in non-league football.
“But there’s a winning mentality here, you can see it in the players and that was part of the attraction of coming here, for me.”
Ben started out on his first team football journey at the age of 17 playing around 30 matches for Fisher in Step Five. At the same time, he spent the year at Charlton Academy.
He then went to Cray Wanderers but was soon signing his first pro contract for Leicester City.
He said: “When I got the chance to go to Leicester it was amazing. Sadly, they then got promoted to the Premiership and they were then looking for something else.”
Ben’s next move was to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership where he got a handful of games before injury struck and cut his season short.
He later signed for National League side Solihull Moors, and then Wycombe Wanderers on non-contract terms.
He then returned to non-league signing for Ebbsfleet United before making 47 appearances for Hayes and Yeading, helping them secure a second-place finish at Step Three and also reaching the first round proper of the FA Cup. He then featured in 33 matches for Leatherhead before returning to Wingate & Finchley, where over the last two seasons he made over 90 appearances and was named Director’s Player of the Season in back-to-back years.
He said: “I got to the point where I went back to non-league football and just wanted to play. My career was a little stop-start, so I have really enjoyed the past four seasons.
“I had first team matches with Wycombe, but I wasn’t lucky with a few of the moves I made, often things like COVID or new managers coming in, seemed to hold me back. One club got through around 67 players in the season I was there!
“But I have really enjoyed my football over the past two years. I scored six or seven goals last season and set up a few – I’m good from set-pieces.
“In my first season at Wingate we finished fourth, last season we were second for a lot of it, but then fell away.”
So, what brought Ben to Dartford FC?
He said: “I know Michael and he told me all about the Club. Things off the pitch make a massive difference on the pitch. How the club is run, adds another 20 per cent to how players perform.
“Dartford is a great club, run properly, with great facilities, a brilliant ground and amazing staff and fans.
“But the Gaffer is definitely one of the reasons I am here. I sat down, had a great conversation with him and straight away loved the vibe and what he had to say.”
Ben has now had a couple of weeks to adjust to his new surroundings and teammates. What have been his early impressions?
He added: “Pre-season sets the foundation for the season. The Gaffer is definitely putting us through our paces, but we will reap the benefits of it later.
“Going to Epping Forest was an experience. I’ve had sessions like it, but every club does their own version of pre-season and I’ve really enjoyed the intensity so far.
“I knew there was a good group here. But hearing about it and experiencing it are different. Everyone has been so welcoming and the boys have taken me on board from Day One. It already feels like I’ve been here for ages.
“Now, I can’t wait until the first game of the season. The friendlies are good, but there’s something about lacing up a pair of boots and knowing there are three points to be had.
“I want to win things here. I’m a winner. And I think I can fulfil my ambitions at Dartford.”
And that’s sure to be music to the ears of DFC supporters. Welcome to the Club Ben and good luck for the season!
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Lars Resort
- Posts: 1135
- Joined: Wed May 31, 2023 8:22 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Still need a winger and I'll be happy with the summer signings.
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Sleightly Deceptive
- Posts: 1073
- Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2021 1:53 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Great stuff. Just as important as a player! Heading in the right direction.
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Lars Resort
- Posts: 1135
- Joined: Wed May 31, 2023 8:22 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Oh, I agree SD but he's still not going to get behind the defence and get in a decent cross.
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Ring of fire
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2022 4:09 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
From his Band, he'd find one that can fly like an eagle.
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Lars Resort
- Posts: 1135
- Joined: Wed May 31, 2023 8:22 pm
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Very good RoF,
Re: Ady Signs New Contract & Player Updates
Few seasons back we had Smoker and Coker on the books (or was it actually Joker?), anyway we were a midnight toker away from being Steve Miller band and now here we are.