Maidstone United (away) Saturday, 14 November.

[spike]

For any current Dartford players who aren't aware of the history, the short version is that Maidstone moved in to our old ground as tenants and our old directors sold us out and enabled their then chairman to gain control and ultimately sell our ground and destroy our club. Our directors scarpered and left us fans holding the fort and the league wanted immediate financial assurances which we couldn't possibly comply with at such short notice. The season had barely begun when we dropped out of the league and folded up. Our club was then resurrected by us the fans from whom emerged the new board of directors, many of whom are still here. We had to start out with just our youth team, bolstered by a couple of experienced players and managed by the legend that is Tony Burman. We were homeless and in the Kent league, the lowest level of senior football, but our friends at Cray Wanderers, helped us get going with an affordable groundshare deal. It took years of struggle and several promotions but we fought our way back. Of course the biggest breakthrough was when Jeremy Kite and Dartford council came through with the building of Princes Park, from which point our club has gone from strength to strength.

Although this all began some 28 years ago and of course the Stones fans themselves are not to blame, many long term Darts' fans still hold a grudge against their club and this is a game we dearly love to win. I'm sure that bitter taste will go away after another 50 years or so.

Please win this game.

[The Don]

Wouldn't it be great if PL or one of the guys on here could give the team a rally cry in the changing room today! I hope the players know how big this game is for us fans - as Spike says its not personal against their fans but I have a deep deep hatred for their club. Come on Dartford.

P. S. Spike I assume you consulted with your legal advisor as your post seems a bit redacted and polite

[Skip]

Wouldn't it be great if PL or one of the guys on here could give the team a rally cry in the changing room today! I hope the players know how big this game is for us fans - as Spike says its not personal against their fans but I have a deep deep hatred for their club. Come on Dartford.

P. S. Spike I assume you consulted with your legal advisor as your post seems a bit redacted and polite

Tony, I’ll be sending a pre match message via Twitter to as many players as possible

[The Don]

Cracking idea Gary, any other twitterers out there bombard the players with good luck messages

[Ozymandias]

Nice idea The Don and for a minute there I thought you was going to suggest Reg. All that slurring after a few pints they'd need an interpreter.
Up the Darts. Hopefully this will be a cracking game and hopefully 3 points for the lads.

[Kebabus]

I for one am not hiding away from recognising that Maidstone are responsible for our clubs demise and loss of our then home, walking down the Watling Street.....

I am somewhat baffled and disappointed that many Darts fans have swerved the build up to such a massive fixture! Come on all, express yourselves, its not too late, lets make sure our club are aware how big this game is and how important it is to gain a result.....game booked and get into them and f..k em up!

[babylon]

Yes Spike,seeing our old ground painted yellow and black really done it for me .
DF C had been sold up the river by our hapless directors and then became victims of Maidstones
Over ambition and we lost our club and ground.
As for today's game it will be tough but I fancy 2-1 to the boys in black & white

COYDssssss!!

[HantsDart]

I still remember the game at their old ground when John Still was our manager years ago when we were winning 1 - 0 with little time left and their owner, directors and manager pressurised the ref into abandoning the game due to a waterlogged pitch. Massive argument off the pitch. Much resentment and animosity created that day that never went away.

Blow 'em away lads.

[Passandmove]

I hate these f*****s with a passion.

We lost our ground, club and spent years in the wilderness because of them.

Older Darts fans will never forget what they did to us.

[Reginald Horsfield]

If the players or management do read any of the forum posts then win lose or draw we are all 100.per cent behind you today and every game. We know you will be giving your all for us and whilst we cannot be there today (reckon we would have taken 600 or 700 today) we will be supporting you from every angle.
COYD. (LOVING IT)
Reggie