Young Guns fire Darts to top spot as trust in youth pays dividends for Ady

By Gareth Morgan

It’s been a case of boys against men in recent weeks as the Darts climbed to the top of the table.  

Another goal from Olly. Another goal from George. A star performance from Hayden. Dartford had three teens in the starting line-up again for the scintillating 4-0 home win against high-fliers Billericay and each put in performances that belied their young years.

This was followed up by a commanding 3-1 performance against Bowers & Pitsea, with the same teens growing in stature and Jez and Denzelle, the latest young players to get on the scoresheet.

Ady’s trust in youth is paying dividends as the Darts continue their march towards promotion. And he couldn’t be happier.

He said: “I’ve said from Day One, it doesn’t matter if you’re 15 or 45-years-old, if you’re good enough, it doesn’t matter how old you are.  

“And these boys are more than capable in this division. I’m really pleased with how they are playing, they’re a pleasure to coach.”

With some feisty battles earlier in the season, not many mangers would have kept faith in a core of such young players.

However, Ady had earmarked them out early on in his tenure.

He continued: “I was looking at the Academy from March when I first came in.  When I started rebuilding the squad at the start of the season, I knew youth would be key.  

“The Academy under the guidance of Tony and with Ben as head coach, are doing a brilliant job and I’ve watched a lot of Academy matches.

“It helps so much that they are given game time in men’s football. From Lordswood, or Margate, they are there playing against men and learning their trade, which is so important for their development.

“I invited all Year 3 Academy players to pre-season training in the summer, to take a look at them with Roland and give them the opportunity. Roland is brilliant at passing his knowledge and experience in the game on to the young ones, too. There’s a lot of talent there.”

While some of the young players have stayed in the squad all season, others have come in when needed and played their part.

Ady said: “Early on, we obviously had Olly, George and Jez, but don’t forget, Sam, Sam, Luther and Denzelle are only in their early twenties.  Callum’s only around 24 or 25. We’ve also had Ashdon, Joe, Deano, Blu, Todd, Josh and Gabe and others. It’s a young squad when you look at it.  

“It’s a big bonus to have so many performing at this level, but they are in on merit.

“It’s also great for the club, as if you’re trying to build up the Academy or bring anyone in, they can see there’s a real pathway to the first team.

“If you have a good system in place, you’ve got to use it. Some boys just need the opportunity and it’s something they are not often given.

“But I want to give a mention to the experienced players too. They’ve been brilliant and are so good at giving advice and looking out for the younger ones. The whole squad has been fantastic.”

However, as the season has progressed, a maturity and belief is shining through the younger players as they grow in confidence.

Ady continued: “Olly and George have grown and grown. It’s just given that belief to everybody.  

“George has grown in stature, I have no problem playing him right back, right wing back, centre back or left back. Olly is now playing as though he’s 6ft 2. He’s got loads of confidence. But it comes from within. They work hard, they listen and they perform.

“They are not the finished article yet, but they are going in the right direction.”

And the last teen to torment teams in recent weeks, who deserves a special mention is loanee Hayden Bullas – at just 18-years-old, the youngest of the starters, not that you’d know it from his performances. Ady has just agreed terms with Leyton Orient to sign the young star for another month.

Ady added: “I have a good relationship with Leyton Orient and I’d wanted to watch him when we played Erith Town in the cup where he was on loan, but he didn’t play, so I went back to watch him the week after. Then I watched him again.

“Leyton Orient wanted him to play at a higher level and I knew he’d be a good fit when I saw him. But the club didn’t say I had to play him if we took him on, again, he’s in on merit.  

“I’ve been very, very pleased, with him. He wants to learn and he’s playing at a high standard.  

“We have him on loan for another month and we will see what happens from there. But he’s loving his time here at the moment.”

Aren’t they all? The enthusiasm is infectious. Ady’s Young Guns are blowing allcomers away right now – and long may it continue.

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