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[The Duke]

Good interview with Ady on Dartfordfctwitter today whick makes a lot of sense and should give fans confidence on the way forward !!!!!!!!!

https://www.dartfordfc.com/a-clean-slat ... kes-shape/

Adrian Pennock is excited for the new season to get underway with a host of new faces set to rejuvenate the Darts.

The club’s manager aims to have a playing squad of around 16 players ready in the next few weeks, complemented by a number of Academy players who can step up.

And he believes preparation has been key to ensuring he makes the right signings.

He said: “We’ve brought a lot of players in who are good characters. Of course, they are good players too, but I have targeted players who are hungry to do well and want to be part of something exciting.

“A lot of players have left, so we have no baggage and no hangovers from last season.

“We feel it’s a clean slate, so are really excited to get going.”

It’s been a busy close season for Ady, who has been travelling the length and breadth of the country to secure the signings he feels will help get the team back to winning ways.

While some managers might lean on recommendations before bringing in players, Ade has been meticulous in his approach.

He continued: “I have done my homework on the players. I’ve watched lots of videos, have watched or known some in the past, met a lot of them several times and often had a few calls with people I know in the game or former managers, to see what kind of person they are.

“We’ve had players come to look around with their partners and family, so you feel they are here for the right reasons. And so many have been blown away from what we have here. The ground, the facilities, they’re top class.

“But it’s important to get the right people in. I could have signed 20 players a week after the season ended, but I wanted to see if they were really up for this. Now we have a few more pieces of the jigsaw to complete.

“I felt we didn’t have enough leaders, so I am addressing that, but I’m looking at a mix of experience and youth in the team, which I think is crucial.

“I want the players coming in to be hungry and proud to wear the shirt. I have asked them to come on a journey with everyone associated with the club, especially our supporters.”

[Taunton Dart]

Impressive read. Saying a lot of things his predecessors didn't do, if we get the players playing for the shirt and connecting with supporters it could become a ride like the one under TB when we rose from Isthmian North to the National League. Buckle up and enjoy the ride

[Park Life]

Welcome Luther, another signing that looks hungry for success.
The squad is taking shape and looking forward to some more signings, well done so far Ady.

We now have the following 12 signed:-

Jacob Marsden

Dwight Pascal
Josh Hill
Luther Williams
George Whitefield
Sam Odaudu

Denzelle Olopade
Samir Carruthers

Olly Box
Ben Allen

Duane Ofori-Acheampong
Callum Jones

[KSTDART]

I would still like to see a proven top striker for this level at the peak of his powers . I am sure Box will do well and Duane will score goals but want that man that defences will fear. Also a midfield general like we had with Noble / Bradders

[tommytollbooth]

I remember Josh Hill playing his first game for us a good few years ago against Ebbsfleet in the FA cup I seem to remember. He has done the rounds since then but we've been looking to bring in a Tom Bonner type of player he could well be the man.

[Lars Resort]

It's not been the same since Tom Bonner retired.

[The Duke]

Agreed Lars but thats only because Dowse brought a number of " donkeys " in , Ronnie Nelson was an ADY recruitment !!!!!

Josh Hill in Bonner class !!

[Park Life]

Welcome Tyler, looking forward to seeing the new look squad on Saturday.

COYD

[Sleightly Deceptive]

Looking like a nice little squad coming together. I can’t wait now. Bring it on! Anyone know when ‘Ryman’ fixtures are published?

[Bagdhad Billy]

Hornchurch had a great season last year do we know how many games / goals he had for them ?

[Pedro]

From the Hornchurch website:

Tyler Christian-Law has left the club.

Tyler joined Hornchurch in November 2023 and made his debut in a 6-0 Isthmian Premier Division win at Cheshunt on 11th November 2023. He went on to make 14 appearances for the club playing in a variety of positions, at full back and centre back where he was involved in 4 clean sheets, along with centre midfield.

We’d like to thank Tyler for everything he has done for the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.

[Bagdhad Billy]

From the Hornchurch website:

Tyler Christian-Law has left the club.

Tyler joined Hornchurch in November 2023 and made his debut in a 6-0 Isthmian Premier Division win at Cheshunt on 11th November 2023. He went on to make 14 appearances for the club playing in a variety of positions, at full back and centre back where he was involved in 4 clean sheets, along with centre midfield.

We’d like to thank Tyler for everything he has done for the club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.

Thanks mate

[The Duke]

Could be a really good signing as he is an experienced player [ aged 32] who has been at several Clubs at this level and has the winning mentality with Hornchurch last season , has leadership qualities as often captain and should blend in well with balance of team with bonus he can play at centre back as well as midfield ?????

Hope he enjoys being at the Darts !!!!!!!

Initial reaction is another good signing by Ady !!!

[Lars Resort]

Welcome Tyler.

[The 5th Searcher]

Welcome Tyler, sounds another good signing by Ady.

I’m looking forward to this season a lot more now.

[Park Life]

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/s ... ow-309408/

Darts boss on Carruthers injury blow

Dartford manager Ady Pennock expects midfielder Samir Carruthers to be fit for start of new season after pre-season injury

Dartford boss Ady Pennock has played down fears over an injury to key midfielder Samir Carruthers.

The gifted 31-year-old missed last weekend’s pre-season opener against Charlton amid suggestions he could miss the start of the campaign,

But Pennock played down any suggestion that Carruthers faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I’m not too sure, we’ve got to keep an eye on him,” responded Pennock. “Personally, I think he will be ready for the start of the season. We’re just being a little bit cautious.

“He’s come in and trained with us, he’s a great character on and off the pitch but more importantly he’s a great footballer as well.

“We’ve got to look after him and I’m hoping he’ll be ready for the start of the season - there’s nothing too much to worry about.”

Carruthers rejoined the Darts in the summer after one season away at Chelmsford. His signature back at Princes Park was a real sign of intent from the club following their relegation to Isthmian Premir.

Pennock admitted it is a blow to their plans that Carruthers will miss a large chunk of pre-season but he’s glad that the problem has come now rather than further down the line.

“It’s a blow but I’m not worried about it,” added the Dartford boss. “I would rather he have a little niggle of an injury now than have it at the start of the season.

“If we were starting the season now, I’d be worried but I’m quietly confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season.

“Hopefully it’s an old injury that has blown up a little but we’ve just got to be sensible and look after it.”

[Park Life]

It's now official, after agreeing to sign for us back in late May Callum's contract must have run out and he has put pen to paper.

I wonder what the position is with Samir as i believe he was in the same situation??

[The Duke]

He made a very good impression on saturday and [ along with Duane] looked dangerous and his goal would have graced any league , seems a decent, genuine lad , hope he does really well for the Darts and his future career !!!!!

[Park Life]

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dartford/s ... in-309466/

Dartford boss names new captain

Dartford manager Ady Pennock appoints Josh Hill as new club captain and completes backroom staff ahead of Isthmian Premier season

Dartford manager Ady Pennock has confirmed their new club captain - and completed his backroom staff.

The Darts boss has given defender Josh Hill the captain’s armband after Luke Coulson left the club at the end of last season to relocate to the west country.

Hill is no stranger to Princes Park, rejoining Dartford for what is his third spell in the close season.

“Josh Hill will be our captain this season, he leads by example on and off the pitch,” said Pennock.

“I was very pleased to get him in. We have other leaders out there as well, which I am pleased about.”

Pennock appointed former Folkestone joint-boss and Neil Cugley’s long-serving assistant Roland Edge as his new assistant manager at the start of the close season.

The duo are joined by fitness coach Neil Withington and new goalkeeping coach Les Cleevely, who replaces Jim Stannard.

Withington has worked with Pennock previously at Welling, Forest Green and Gillingham and has been putting the players through their paces in pre-season, with fitness one key area earmarked by the Darts as being below-par last term.

“We’ve worked them hard but there’s still a long way to go yet,” stressed Pennock.

“I think if you’re physically fit, you’re mentally fit so we’re not there yet but it’s very early days in pre-season.”

Cleevely was recommended to Pennock, after Stannard left to join Welling United, by former Dartford midfielder Jamie Day, who worked with Cleevely at the Bangladesh national team.

With extensive coaching experience, it’s an appointment that has already gone down well.

“Les came through Jamie Day,” explained Pennock. “Jamie had him at Bangladesh and he knew that Jim had left, he told me Les was a good lad and I spoke to other people about him as well and everyone said it was a no-brainer to bring him in. I’m pleased to get him here.”

Cleevely’s CV includes spells working in the academies of Fulham, Tottenham and Chelsea as well as Crystal Palace’s first team.

[Park Life]