Not sure about consolidation, if we get off to a good start I’m expecting the playoff at the minimum if not better. As for the first training session not really much to tell. Apart from a wheezing goalkeeper explaining why he doesn’t run much. Just spent time trying to identify players and put names to them. A lot of laps but not really much to see. so far..Gianluca not around as he’s on holiday until the 2nd of July so we’ll probably miss the Charlton match.Jez in particular looks in good shape and for me is improving all the time. High hopes for him. I believe there’s an open training session this next Saturday for which supporters are invited.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2026 8:28 pm
by Sleightly Deceptive
Funnily enough, I asked a mate who used to be on here, whether Ben’s remit was consolidation, playoffs, or title. I think we should be told! I need to manage my expectations.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2026 10:23 pm
by Rixsto
Johndfc2 wrote: Sun Jun 21, 2026 6:30 pm
Not sure about consolidation, if we get off to a good start I’m expecting the playoff at the minimum if not better. As for the first training session not really much to tell. Apart from a wheezing goalkeeper explaining why he doesn’t run much. Just spent time trying to identify players and put names to them. A lot of laps but not really much to see. so far..Gianluca not around as he’s on holiday until the 2nd of July so we’ll probably miss the Charlton match.Jez in particular looks in good shape and for me is improving all the time. High hopes for him. I believe there’s an open training session this next Saturday for which supporters are invited.
Thanks for the update, will be taking my boy up to watch the open training session, he is looking forward to seeing the new squad.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2026 9:02 am
by ozymandias
SD, I think you need your little blue blanket at bed time.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2026 9:07 pm
by Spike
So far, Ben comes across very well. His interviews are eloquent, positive and inspiring. His signings look very promising and morale seems high. He knows the club inside out and he has good experienced people working with him. I genuinely believe we've got this one right and personally I am more excited about the coming season than I have been for a good few years.
To answer the question someone asked earlier, Ben's remit must be to get promoted. Whether the club have said that or not, that's what it is. At the very least, we have to be in the mix.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2026 9:41 am
by PeteSamson
I said I was very happy when Ben was first appointed, and I see no reason to change my mind. My reasons at the time were in fact that he knew the workings of club after 8 years (?) at the academy, his brief foray into management at Margate. I have also enjoyed his intentions in his excellent positive interviews. Way, wY above those given by Ady.
In fact, now, I am seeing Ben as the natural long term successor we have needed to find , to take over the role from Tony Burman, given that Tony is now 68 (please forgive me Tony)!), including success on the field as manager.
COYD
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2026 11:11 am
by Sleightly Deceptive
PeteSamson wrote: Fri Jun 26, 2026 9:41 am
I said I was very happy when Ben was first appointed, and I see no reason to change my mind. My reasons at the time were in fact that he knew the workings of club after 8 years (?) at the academy, his brief foray into management at Margate. I have also enjoyed his intentions in his excellent positive interviews. Way, wY above those given by Ady.
In fact, now, I am seeing Ben as the natural long term successor we have needed to find , to take over the role from Tony Burman, given that Tony is now 68 (please forgive me Tony)!), including success on the field as manager.
COYD
Pretty much my feelings entirely. Just better formed!
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2026 10:52 am
by WillDfc42
Wasn’t too sure where to put this but did anyone manage to get down to the open training session and if so how was it?
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2026 3:36 pm
by Park Life
WillDfc42 wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 10:52 am
Wasn’t too sure where to put this but did anyone manage to get down to the open training session and if so how was it?
Yes mate, 20+ players there and they did a good session considering the extreme heat.
Recognised most of them, a few I didn't but still getting familiar with the new players so not sure if there were any triallists involved as well.
Had a good chat with Skip after and the mood in the camp is good.
Brief chat with Ben, he is happy with his squad but still has the means to bring in a player(s) if he wanted.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2026 4:06 pm
by Trevor B
Thanks for the updates Park Life
Yes mate, 20+ players there and they did a good session considering the extreme heat.
Recognised most of them, a few I didn't but still getting familiar with the new players so not sure if there were any triallists involved as well.
Had a good chat with Skip after and the mood in the camp is good.
Brief chat with Ben, he is happy with his squad but still has the means to bring in a player(s) if he wanted.
I renewed my season ticket and met Tony B. and we chatted for about 10 minutes and he seemed very pleased with Ben and the signings but stressed that with this almost new squad of players they will need time in training and the pre season games to gell together into a team.
They are all keen and fired up ready to show us fans that they have the desire to win games and be ready for the start of the season.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2026 9:11 pm
by Hitchin Dart79
All I can say is I think
I can actually see what he is trying to do and I wish him all
the very best for the season ahead!
WillDfc42 wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 10:52 am
Wasn’t too sure where to put this but did anyone manage to get down to the open training session and if so how was it?
Yes mate, 20+ players there and they did a good session considering the extreme heat.
Recognised most of them, a few I didn't but still getting familiar with the new players so not sure if there were any triallists involved as well.
Had a good chat with Skip after and the mood in the camp is good.
Brief chat with Ben, he is happy with his squad but still has the means to bring in a player(s) if he wanted.
Cheers mate.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2026 10:03 am
by Park Life
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2026 10:23 am
by The 5th Searcher
I’m loving these interviews with Ben, he’s very open and informative with the questions. There’s no hesitating ummming & erring, he’s not constantly repeating himself.
It’s all clear as to what he’s planning & looking to do and he knows exactly what he wants and what he’s looking for from the players.
It’s excellent stuff and a real breath of fresh air compared to what we’ve had to put up with these last few seasons.
It would be good to get an interview with Flanners & Sawyer at some point as well on them coming back to the club again, their roles and what they are looking for and planning as well.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2026 12:19 pm
by WillDfc42
Just had a look through our training video. Noticed Botti was absent I assume he’s on holiday. There was 2 young academy goalkeepers training who aren’t signed on (as far as i’m aware) but they’re still in the academy setup and Kai Jeffrey was also training with the first team (Academy centre back). Noticed one trialist, Luke Exall Holland & Blair’s supporters player of the season.
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2026 12:51 pm
by Park Life
WillDfc42 wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2026 12:19 pm
Just had a look through our training video. Noticed Botti was absent I assume he’s on holiday. .
I'm sure that's correct, I think i read he's back July so any day now.
Seems a good lad, good to see confidence in a player.
I had to replay part as when Ben said ''Tonbridge as well" the caption came up with Tom Bonner!!
COYD
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2026 12:06 pm
by Park Life
Re: DFC Player updates 26/27
Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2026 12:17 pm
by Sleightly Deceptive
Things seem to be shaping up really well. What a breath of fresh air!
I need to manage my expectations.
