Dartford player-boss Ben Greenhalgh on getting more out of highly-rated defender Sam Odaudu and the signings of Jordan Higgs and Brandon Davey

Player-manager Ben Greenhalgh is confident he can get even more out of Dartford defender Sam Odaudu - despite describing him as already among the best full-backs in the division.

The academy product has turned down other offers in favour of remaining with the Isthmian Premier club ahead of the new season.

Odaudu, now 23, came through the club’s youth-team set-up where he’s already played under Greenhalgh in his younger days.

Attacking midfielder Greenhalgh said: “I’ve been speaking to Sam since I got the job.

“I knew where he was at. I knew all along that clubs were coming in for him and it was very likely he was going to make a move.

“All along, Sam wanted to make a move to progress his career - that’s understandable - but, also, he wanted to stay. I think he was pretty happy with either scenario.

“We managed to get it over the line in the end.

"Sam has also been doing stuff with the academy. I think he will be doing the same next year again so I know how to get the best version of Sam.

“He’s probably one of the best full-backs in the division, in my opinion, but I want to get more out of him.

“Sam Odaudu playing Step 3, he’s much better than that.

“I think he can play a big part in terms of us getting towards the top-end of the division.”

Speculation linked a number of League 2 and National League clubs - including Walsall, Colchester, Barnet, Rochdale and Carlisle United - with the out-of-contract Odaudu.

“Sam is someone that will always have interest,” suggested Greenhalgh. “He can do a lot of things where he’s strong, quick and very physical.

"The interest will always be there for Sam.

“If you said to any Football League club ‘What are your thoughts on him?’, then I think they would have heard of him. But he didn’t