Player Viewpoint - Dartford FC winger Ryan Hayes

Not many people would have put money on Dartford FC finishing 8th in the Conference National having won promotion last season. But the fact remains that they are now the highest ranked part-time side in the country.

Some unbelievable performances both home and away allowed the Darts to notch up a commendable 66 points during the 2012/13 season, taking the scalps of some formidable opponents along the way.

A televised home win against eventual league champions Mansfield, as well as strong victories over Newport County, Wrexham and an emphatic double over Luton Town were chief among the highlights of what has been an exciting and confidence-boosting season.

All of this was nicely complimented by reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy; only to be narrowly eliminated by league rivals Grimsby Town (who were defeated in the final by Wrexham).

(Image: Press Association)

A player who had a massive part to play in all of this was Ryan Hayes.'Ryano' has been a mainstay and firm fan favourite at the club since joining as a 20-year old from Kent League side Slade Green in 2006.

Chipping in with his share of crowd pleasing left-foot belters and laser-guided assists, he has gone from strength-to-strength as a player.

Now 27 and an experienced head when it comes to promotions - three in five seasons - Ryano tells me about his career, the Darts excellent campaign and what he thinks the club can achieve next...

Did you ever believe that the Darts would have finished as high as they have?

We always knew that if we stuck together and competed, we had enough quality to beat anyone on our day.

As players, how has juggling work with travelling and training affected not just your performances, but your lives?

Very hard! I used up more than a week’s holiday with midweek away games, as I work nights. With the training side we managed it well. If we were far away on a Tuesday we would normally have the Thursday off, or just have a very light session. With my home life it was hard also. Having a young family - two young children and wife - it would be difficult sometimes being away the whole weekend and not seeing them does affect you a little, but my family totally understand my love for football.

Did you ever think that when you were playing in the Kent League you’d be on the brink of full-time football just a few short years later?

Not for one minute! I always had confidence in my ability, but when I wasn't wanted at Thamesmead I went to Slade Green just to enjoy it and play with my mates. But to be so close to full time football is unreal, really.

How does the Conference compare to the Ryman North/Ryman Premier/Conference South? Was it a big step up?

It's miles and miles ahead of Ryman Prem and North. The Conference South was a hard league, but the Conference is the best league outside of professional football and if you have an off day, you get punished and in big way. We've been beaten not by better sides, it's just if you make mistakes at this level you end up on the back foot. 

What do you think has been the key to the team’s success? Is there anything that you think sets you apart from the full time teams?

Our team spirit is unreal. Our togetherness in and out of football is better than most, I would think. We work so hard for each other and as a group everyone gets on very well. Also, there is lots of quality in our team. I personally think that we have the best centre-midfield partnership in non-league football with Elliott (Bradbrook) and Champs (Tom Champion). They have been unreal for the last 3 years.

What would you say has been behind your own success - proving yourself at every level you've played?

Good family and friends around me. I love to prove people wrong. I always said when I left Thamesmead I was good enough, I just hope people that told me I wasn't good enough back then realise now that maybe they made a mistake. Playing in the Ryman Prem I was very lucky to play in a great team. Conference South I did find hard personally - for what reason I don't know. I went through a bad stage where changing jobs didn't help and I wasn't fit if I'm being honest with myself.

What is it like playing under Tony Burman? What is it you think he has done to get the best out of the team?

It's great to be fair to him. As much as he rants and raves at me, I know that he has so much belief in me. I do owe the gaffer a lot for where I am now - and I do get away with murder! But if I'm not on it I do get the "hair dryer treatment". He gets in good lads that are good players. Being here so long, I've seen him improve loads.

What do you and the players think is possible next?

It's going to be harder next season without doubt, but if we can get in a few good players to improve us we know we can compete and beat anyone. I personally think we are 3 good players away from being a top team and competing for the play offs.