It’s been a bitter-sweet period for Dartford FC Women, who have welcomed a host of fresh faces to Princes Park this season, but also said goodbye to a number of players including club legends Emily Vaughan, Jo Woodgates, and Emily Read.

The Club has sadly seen some popular players leave over the past few weeks, but Co-Manager Connor Dymond’s thoughts now lie on turning the batch of new arrivals into a younger, hungrier unit, ready to push for the next level.

He said: “We have had a few sadly leave this season who have been thanked on social media, but we’ve also had a few through the door that we kept an eye on last season and have worked with over the last few months.

“We are going younger and eager in our approach this season, with an incentive for the players to learn and get better.”

While some of the players will be announced in due course, Connor and Co-Manager Martin McCarthy hope supporters look at the squad as a whole rather than individuals, with the focus on a change in personnel and fresh approach. Connor believes they will “fight for the badge and do the club proud, as they do every season.”

Pre-season has been essential for the management to re-build. It’s the staff’s longest contact period with the players and an important opportunity to establish expectations and foster a winning culture from day one.

Connor continued: “Pre-season is the most important time as it is the longest stretch we get with the players in terms of getting our style of play across.

“We get the opportunity to show and tell the new players what it takes to play for Dartford and instil the winning ethos into the squad. Overall, we are happy.”

After finishing runners-up last season, Connor is clear that this season is about turning that near-miss into a title-winning season.

He stated: “Every season is a learning curve. As you know, we came second and for us the objective is to finish first. We feel we needed more players in certain parts of the pitch and to be ruthless in games when we get the chance.”

Now, the mission for Connor and Co. is simple: secure promotion. Strengthening in key areas and sharpening the team’s ruthlessness in front of goal are central to that push, while maintaining the winning mentality that’s become part of Dartford’s identity. And while the league is the priority, he knows cup competitions still offer big moments for the Club.

He continued: “Our main objective is always to get out of the league, but we know we do well in the cup competitions. I think the Club deserves a third round FA Cup draw which is always talked about by the players.”

Looking ahead to the standout fixtures, Connor admitted rivalries add extra excitement. He said: “Ebbsfleet is always talked about because everyone wants to beat Dartford. They always seem to raise their game along with others just to beat us. It’s a credit to the team’s reputation.”

With fresh faces, a hunger to go one better than last season, and the backing of a passionate fanbase, Dartford FC Women are ready for the challenge ahead. Connor knows the support from the stands can make all the difference as the team battles for the badge and pushes for promotion.

He added: “The message will always be, come down and support the ladies as they fight for the club and represent the badge, the way you would want to see from any player playing for Dartford. They appreciate it like you wouldn’t believe and deserve every bit of recognition they get. Come on you Darts.”