Vanarama's National League South Fan Preview: Dartford

Darts' fan Kian Ward puts his neck on the line - so what going's to happen over the next ten months?

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

So the new campaign is nearly upon us - what so Dartford fans have to look forward to?
I'd like to think we have a play-off push to look forward too but like last season the league is so competitive. Even more so this year with the likes of Havant and Maidstone returning to us. Hopefully we will see some good-on-the-eye football which I know 'Floyle' want to produce, we saw snippets of it last season.

After the way last season ended, is there an even bigger desire to set the record straight this time around?
I believe there is a hunger this year that maybe we didn't have last season. The fans want to be fighting for promotion and so do the players. We also have a squad I believe are fully capable of pushing at the top end of the table and we certainly seem in better shape that we did at this time last season!

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
That's a difficult one. The 'new' signing that stands out for me is the return of Luke Wanadio - when he was here a couple of seasons ago he was electric and a real fan favourite and hopefully he picks up from where we left off. The best re-signing player is probably Ben Greenhalgh, he was the shining light in a pretty dark season and has the true capability to go down as a Darts legend.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
The obvious sides what will be in and around the promotion mix are the likes of Billericay, Havant and Chelmsford. I’d keep an eye on Wealdstone, they made the play-offs last season and I wouldn't put it past them to reach them again.

But who will be this season’s surprise package?
The surprise package for me will be the new promoted teams, especially Dorking. They get good crowds and when I visited a couple times last season they played a good attractive brand of football.

What away day are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to Bath. They are well respected by fellow fans and the fact the city itself is great to visit. Also Weymouth, we have them in August luckily so can hopefully make a bit of a weekend of that away day - British weather permitting!

And what game would you like to win more than any other and why?
I think it goes without saying for any Dartford fan the one game we want to win out them all will be our games against Maidstone- it's not just a county rivalry, there’s history to it as well. Then there’s Chelmsford City too, it would be great to beat them again!

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
The one player I would have 100 per cent is Eastbourne's Sergio Torres. I’ve always admired his calmness on the ball and how he can dictate the play with our without the ball. He might be in his mid 30s but I’d take him in a heartbeat!

Vanarama have recently launched the National League Club Reward scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals head to Motorama.

Where next?

Dev Sets His Sights High For BT Sport Curtain Raiser Judge us after ten games. The opening day is just the first of many matches. Let’s see where we are a few months down the line.
Now County Are The Ones Rising As BT Sport Join The Party As the previews and predictions are being written, the name Stockport County is being furiously scribbled. Jim Gannon knows what a lot of people are thinking right about now.

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