Dartford begin life as an Isthmian Premier League side for the first time in almost fifteen years this weekend, and their opening day assignment could not really be much tougher, the Champions of the division below at their own ground in what is the first fixture ever at this level.

Boss Ady Pennock is extremely aware of what lies in store for the Darts at the Artic Stadium. “They did so well last year getting promotion and it will be a very tough opener.

“I know Steve McKimm very well and look forward to seeing him. It is going to be a very tough game. We have improved over pre-season, improving every game…” 

“I cannot wait for Saturday, I am really looking forward to it because Dartford are a very good Football Club, run by good people with great facilities, but it all depends what happens on the football pitch.

“The supporters have been absolutely first class, they have been amazing and have enjoyed pre-season. It is going to be extremely hard as there are some big, big teams in the division starting with Saturday.

“There is a lot of money in this League, and they do say that it comes to the top at the end of the season, but we will hopefully have a good season and see where it takes us.

“I am not one to shout from the roof tops saying we will do this or that, I just take every game as it comes in a very long season.” 

Pennock who has overseen an English pre-season for the first time in many years following his coaching assignments in the far east admitted that “It has been an interesting time, but I have really enjoyed it to be fair. We had to start all over again and it is a brand-new squad and it’s been a good preparation.

“The biggest thing for me really was having to gel as nearly everyone is new to the Football Club as quickly as we can. I know I came in late last season, and obviously we did not want to get relegated, but it was too late.

“The biggest thing is that there will not be any baggage for the coming season really, no hangovers. We have still got some players who played a few games last year, but overall, it is a rebuilding exercise for us and hopefully we can have a good season.” 

Dartford are many people’s fancies for the Isthmian Premier title this season, a fact that is not lost on Pennock.

“It is a lovely compliment! I know though that it is going to be unbelievably tough, we are doing a massive rebuild. I am giving youth a chance as I love our academy and we will see how they take to League/men’s football, pre-season they have done really well, but the truth will come to light in the next weeks.

“We have got a good mix of experience to compliment the youngsters and there is a good feel about the place. But I think us to be favourites, it is very nice of people to say that, but I think it’s going to be very tough for us this season. We can play some really good football and if people want to have a scrap with us, make no mistake, we will roll our sleeves up as well!”