Dartford player-manager Ben Greenhalgh on signings of defender Emmanuel Oke and midfielder Scott Wagstaff plus retaining services of striker Dan Smith after injury-hit year

Emmanuel Oke turned down National League interest in favour of a Dartford return.

Defender Oke, part of Darts’ academy between 2019 and 2022, has followed player-boss Ben Greenhalgh over from Isthmian South East Margate to rejoin.

Oke, who has lived in the town his whole life, is based within walking distance from Dartford’s Princes Park ground.

But Greenhalgh insists he will not stand in the 23-year-old’s way if the right chance to progress to a higher level comes along.

Greenhalgh said: “The fact E-Man could walk to games - I’m not sure whether he will walk to games - but the fact he should walk to games is something special. But sometimes, it’s not always about location.

“It’s about really caring for the club and E-Man has got that where he came through the academy. He always wanted to succeed at Dartford Football Club.

“At the time, from his year group, it was only really Sam Odaudu that stepped into Dartford’s first team. But he was part of an unbelievable year group.

“You’re talking about players like Martial Godo and Brandon Davey. There was a really good core of players that played in that year group.

“E-Man has always wanted to come back - and now is the right time.

“People could ask if he’s following me from Margate? But I think it’s more the fact we’re going to get him at Step 3 while wanting him to still develop.

“A lot of Step 2 and Step 1 clubs wanted him in but we know Dartford will be the right fit for him. He really cares about Dartford, being that local.

“He will want to kick on at the same time and, if it’s the right time and with the right club, hopefully we can help him.”

Greenhalgh has only been in charge at Dartford for a matter of weeks but has already completed plenty of signings.

Among them have