Dartford defender Joe Tennent on making Three Bridges return for Isthmian Premier season opener, taking on vice-captaincy role and playing under player-manager Ben Greenhalgh

Joe Tennent takes on one of his former clubs as Dartford start the new season on the road.

The Darts begin the new regime under player-boss Ben Greenhalgh with an Isthmian Premier fixture at newly-promoted Three Bridges on Saturday, August 8.

Three Bridges are preparing for life at Step 3 after last term’s title-winning season under manager Jamie Crellin.

The West Sussex side are one that Dartford defender Tennent played for until the summer of 2023.

“I had a really successful period there,” Tennent recalled.

“It’s a good club. Having got promoted, I’m sure it will be a great occasion for the fans.

“They have got a good side and a good manager so we will need to make sure we’re on it from minute one.”

The match is likely to present a stiff test of the Darts’ new-look defence, with the attacking trio of Noel Leighton, Reece Hallard and Charlie Bennett all contributing more than 20 league goals last time out.

Tennent said: “I know their manager quite well.

"He’s really good. All the players know what they’re doing in their team.

"Looking at the front three, they have some really strong players.”

Tennent heads into the campaign as Dartford’s vice-captain.

“It’s a role I kind of take on, anyway, whether I have the armband or not,” he said. “I don’t think much will change.

“But it’s definitely an honour to be named vice-captain of such a good club.”

Tennent’s new-found responsibility helps reward his loyalty while many of last term’s Princes Park contingent have moved on - the majority of them reuniting with ex-boss Ady Pennock at Ramsgate.

The 28-year-old said: “I think there’s only five or six that stayed in the end, plus a couple of younger lads from the academy.

“The new faces have come in and, to be fair to them, they’re