Jack Smedley, Operations Manager

What is your connection to the club?
I’m the Operations Manager, I look after the day-to-day running of the Club.

 What does the role involve?
The role is split into a few areas. There’s the maintenance of the stadium and the health and safety involved in this; there’s the logistics of what’s going every day, which includes the external and internal areas and running of these, such as 3G pitch and Champions Bar bookings, hospitality, Academy fixtures and so on; and the Football Club side, which involves ensuring everything is running smoothly for match days and away matches.

How did the role come about?
I was working full-time at the Orchard Theatre and part-time here as a kitman. Then in 2010, the position came up and I was approached by a director at the time.

I started as a kitman in our first season in what is now the National League and really enjoyed it, so when the role came up it felt like the right fit and it went from there.

The role has evolved over the years. I didn’t have any bars or anything to worry about at the beginning, but the Club has grown a lot and so the role has, too.

How long have you been a supporter for?
I’ve been a supporter for a long time, although couldn’t get to every game when I was younger as I worked a lot of Saturdays. But I’d get to the odd game here and there.

Now, working here full-time, everything is amplified. When we lose a game, it ruins the weekend. Everything you do, leads up to the game on the weekend and when it doesn’t go the way you are hoping, it’s difficult. You go full circle a little, when you lose on a Saturday, everyone’s talking about it on a Monday when you are next in, so it’s hard to get away from that sometimes.

I didn’t have to go to away games as part of my role, but I chose to and now I’ve taken over the admin side of Club when we go away.

Any favourite memories?
I like the big games, like the Play-off final. The best moments are making sure matches like this go off without any issues.

I also like opening up the new areas like the Skinner’s Bar and Dart’s Grill and watching them take off and be a success.

What’s your take on the team today?
I think it’s a similar situation to last season. We started slowly, but I think we will grow into the season. We have a young squad, but I’m sure Ady will bring a few extra experienced bodies in as the season goes on and we will start winning and going the right way again.

Favourite players?
I don’t like singling anyone out in the current squad, I feel as though they all contribute throughout the season. I liked Elliot Bradbrook. He was really committed to Dartford over a number of years and the captain of a great squad when we were in the higher leagues.

Hopes for the season?
I am hoping for a Play-off place at least and promotion. It’s not going to be easy, but I think we have the players that can get us up there again.