Pic: Max Flego
LONG-SERVING Dartford winger Ryan Hayes has been handed a testimonial year by the National League South club.
The 30-year-old joined the Darts towards the end of the 2004-05 season from Kent League club Slade Green and has gone on to become a fans' favourite at Princes Park after scoring two on his debut against Tilbury.
He has been part of the club's rise from Ryman North all the way to Non-League's top division and has still been a key player for boss Tony Burman in the National League South this season.
A number of testimonial events will take place over the course of the 2016-17 season, all of which will be organised by a testimonial committee chosen by Hayes himself.
A testimonial match has already been announced and a Ryan Hayes XI will face an as yet unknown opponent on Sunday, July 16 at Princes Park.
The winger told the club's website: “I'm delighted and think it's a great honour to be granted the testimonial year with Dartford FC. I'm looking forward to all the events that my committee are going to organise, but especially the match.
“The players I'm inviting will make the day a good one I'm sure – and I hope the fans turn out in their numbers to help me celebrate my playing career and time at the club so far.”
Dartford chairman Steve Irving added: “It is 11 years now since an 18-year-old Ryan Hayes announced his arrival at Dartford with two goals on his debut against Tilbury.
“In the seasons since then, Ryan his thrilled and frustrated fans in equal measure. His 89 goals place him eighth in the history of the club.
“The vast majority of which were scored in his trademark fashion, many of which have made us gasp at the sheer magic of the finish. His 474 appearances, made up of 339 starts and 135 from the bench, put him fifth in the history of the club.
“In that time winning the Ryman League, Division One and Premier Division titles, a Conference South play off winners' medal and a Kent Senior Cup winners' medal. To honour his amazing achievements, the club is delighted to honour Ryan with a testimonial year, starting with the match in pre-season. Well done Ryan.”
