Dartford

Missing out of the playoffs has resorted to another rethink for the Darts. Since relegation from the National South, Dartford followed up their Isthmian Premier title tilt with a disappointing sixth place. A club with previous Southern League pedigree had to start again in the early nineties at Kent League level. Progression accelerated when Princes Park was opened almost 20 years ago culminating in the Darts reaching the National League in 2010. However, that lasted three years and eventually Dartford dropped a division again.

2025/2026 Season
Isthmian Premier: 6th
F.A Cup: 1st Qualifying Round
F.A Trophy: 3rd Qualifying Round
County Cup: 1st Round
Top League Scorer: Olly Box (16 goals)

Once again a slow start had Dartford playing catch up. In the campaign before a club equalling unbeaten run put them in a title race. This time the run was shorter, but enough to push them to within the playoff places. Home form was excellent, only the promoted teams gained more points. On the road, too many points were dropped especially at teams in the lower regions of the division.

Manager – Ben Greenhalgh

Dartford return to a man who ‘knows the club’ having played for the Darts and actively managed the academy whilst at Margate. Ben Greenhalgh made 62 appearances for the Darts between 2018 and 2020 scoring seven goals. As manager of Margate he led them to the playoffs and at the same time had success with Dartford’s academy.

Summer Transfers

Greenhalgh’s Margate and academy connections means a few players returning to the club. Three of which follow the new boss from Margate. Defender, Emmanuel Oke was at the academy between 2019 and 2022. Brandon Davey is well thought of by Greenhalgh and Louie Atkins was Dartford’s record scorer in the academy. Ben Swift was with Greenhalgh at Margate and he joins from Sittingbourne.

Goalkeeper, Ryan Sandford returns to the club having previously made nine appearances in 2023/2024. He will bring experience to the side and so will Scott Wagstaff and Jordan Higgs who both join from Tonbridge Angels. Adrian Gyamera arrives from Cray Wanderers, Lorenzo Duncan from Fisher and Luke Exal from Hollands and Blair.

With the departures of the entire attack, the Darts have signed replacements in Gianluca Botti from Wingate and Finchley as well as Max Fiddes from Dover Athletic.

Leaving Princes Park is top scorer and academy graduate Olly Box, who joins rivals Ebbsfleet United. Eddie Dsane felt a change was needed and he moves to Aveley. Following former boss Adrian Pennock to Ramsgate, striker Callum Jones, midfielder Jacob Bland and goalkeeper Jonny Henly all move to the coastal club.

The experienced Samir Carruthers will be at Dulwich Hamlet. Luther Williams switches to Burgess Hill Town and Sam Smith to Welling United. Sam Okoye gets his chance in a higher division at Farnborough and so does Denzelle Olopade, who is now at Chelmsford City. Ikechi Eze, Ben Frempah, Michael Olarewaju and Evans Kouassi have all left the club.