Clare Weeks, shop assistant

What is your connection to the club?

I help run the club shop on match days!

What does the role involve?

I might help with stocktakes, put stock out or assist any supporter who comes in and wants to buy something. It’s just lovely seeing and chatting with all the fans, I really do enjoy it.

How did the role come about?

Previously, I was working next door at the Academy as college secretary to the principals, and the vacancy came up for a role on reception at Dartford.

I was very close to the club as a volunteer helping my husband Andy who worked in the youth section. I got the job and I used to look after all the community pitches, golf course and do all the bookings and look after front of house, take all the calls and much more!

I wanted to go part-time, but they needed someone full-time, so I sadly left. Around 2020 Ken who ran the shop then wanted to retire and asked me to take over. I’ve been here since!

How long have you been a supporter for?

Since about 2006 when my husband was first involved, otherwise I wouldn’t have ever seen him!

Any favourite memories?

The season when we won the play-off final. I was working on reception that day and I was so nervous that I couldn’t even go to the edge of the tunnel. I waited until the end of the game. I couldn’t even watch it. I literally got so nervous. So that was quite an experience.

Luton away, when we were in the National League and we travelled up and we beat them 2-0. The atmosphere was brilliant, the fans just sang for the whole game.

We also went up to Grimsby in the FA Trophy semi-final, first leg. We drove all the way there in a day and I kept saying to Chairman Steve Irving we are going to get to Wembley. But it wasn’t to be.

What’s your take on the team today?

I was really disappointed to have dropped down to the level we’re at. We had some really good times in the higher leagues and with the facilities we have we should be aiming higher.

It’s just not happening at the moment. We need to be patient and give the team time to gel. We have some good players technically, but it’s a physical league and some are going to need some time to adjust.

Favourite player at the moment?

I like Callum Jones. It’s hard because they’re all new, but Callum just doesn’t stop working.

Hopes for the season?

We are not that far off, it just hasn’t quite clicked yet and a few tweaks are still needed. I’d like to see a run of wins and being around the play-off places would give the club something to fight for.