Speak to any Dartford fan right now and they will tell you the club is going places. They are full of optimism and looking forward to every game. The team are playing exciting football and capable of beating any opponent. The man behind it all, Steve King.

It seems a long time ago now but a loss to Kent rivals Tonbridge in September saw joint managers Adam Flanagan and Jamie Coyle depart from their roles. Dartford legend Tony Burman took temporary charge whilst the search for a new manager began.

It took time but the board had to get it right. Amongst fans there were a few popular options but one name kept coming up as favourite. ‘He has a proven record at this level!’ ‘He gets results’ ‘His teams play nice football’ ‘he is tactically brilliant’, ‘he will get us promoted’.

They got their wish.

Steve King was announced as manager and before his first game in charge immediate changes to the squad were made. Jordan Gibbons became his first new signing (he has since departed). The first of many.

King’s reign didn’t get off to the best of starts, losing 3-2 at home in the FA Cup 4th qualifying round to lower division Kingstonian before drawing his first league game against Chippenham also at home.

The supporters were prepared to be patient with results, allowing King time to build the squad he wanted. The aim was to stay up and have a go at winning the league next season.

A couple of impressive away wins were followed by a draw with rivals Maidstone United, who then eliminated Dartford from the Fa Trophy. A 3-0 loss away to Bath was perhaps the worst performance since King took over.

However that defeat proved something of a turning point, since then the team have been superb losing twice in eleven games claiming 25 points from a possible 33.  Not only are the fans no longer worried about relegation but they are looking at securing a playoff place.

One of the reasons for the turnaround in form is the new manager’s eye for a signing. There has been a revolving door since his arrival as he builds the squad he wants and offloading players surplus to requirements. With seemingly more contacts than Specsavers King has a solution for every injury or loan player recalled.

Some quality players have been signed permanently and others on loan. Players who have helped changed the fortunes of the team include the likes of Liam Gordon, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, Tyrique Hyde, Alhaji Sesay and Elliott Romain.

The quality of football on display has improved drastically in his short time as boss. The midfield three anchored by Billy Crook are passing the ball around the opposition and the attackers are benefitting from it.

The form of Elliott Romain and Darren McQueen can only be described as deadly. The most prolific pairing in the league look dangerous every time they have the ball.

From attack to defence the performances have impressive. The back four are doing a great job in protecting goalkeeper Sesay, who when called upon is proving his worth. He is growing with every game and his handling has been great at relieving the pressure.

Confidence on the ball is one thing required to play in a Steve King team, another is hard work and that is epitomised by Romain. He leads from the front in addition to this each players willingness to work hard for each other has made Dartford difficult to break down.

In a little over three months the new manager has managed to improve the playing staff, the results and the mood in the terraces. It is nothing short of remarkable.

Whilst clearly confident he could change things at Princes Park, even King must be surprised at how quickly it has happened. As the results started improving he has turned worries of relegation into whispers of the playoffs. Those whispers are now reality and the Dartford faithful are starting to dream of promotion.

With crowds improving and a board that are willing to back him, just how far can Steve King take this football club?

Let’s not put a ceiling on it and enjoy the ride.