Dartford striker Dan Smith explains why he stayed at the club this season and talks about his match-winning penalty against Chatham Town

Dartford striker Dan Smith put happiness first when deciding to stay at the club this season.

Smith had a stop-start first campaign at Princes Park after making the move from Folkestone Invicta.

But he was impressed by new player-boss Ben Greenhalgh’s vision and was keen to go again in Dartford colours.

“I think happiness is the most important thing,” said Smith.

“As you get older as well, a lot of clubs, to be honest, pay you similar money.

“So, you can go to a lot of different clubs, but it’s where you’re happy, where you’re enjoying it, where the changing room is good, where the fans are good, great stadium, good people behind it, great management team. It ticks a lot of boxes.

“I’ve never had a player-manager before, but I think Ben’s got the balance brilliantly.

“I’ve been really enjoying it. We’re trying to implement things steadily in the season, keep building and not over-complicate things straight away.

“So, nailing the basics and then hopefully we can start to play a little bit more and express ourselves as we get a bit comfortable with doing the basics. So far we’ve been very good at the basics and that’s what’s got us wins.”

Smith praised Dartford - including former boss Ady Pennock - for their support last season.

It was a tough campaign off the pitch with the passing of his father.

“The club was excellent for me last season,” said Smith. “Ady was brilliant as well.

“Then it was a case of Ben came in, quite a few of the players who are going to be a big part of this season were staying, he was bringing in some good players and I had really positive talks with Ben.

“The fans were always great here and I just really enjoyed my season last year.

“It’s hard when a manager leaves, but I think, in the end, it was