Josh Hill reveals son Jack’s passion for Dartford - watching highlights at home with his dad during the 2024/25 season

Josh Hill has been left with little choice but to relive Dartford’s promotion play-off final defeat against Dover many times over.

The centre-back, 33, has decided to hang up his boots after skippering the Darts during a 2024/25 campaign, in which they earned a third-placed Isthmian Premier finish, before they went down 2-0 in their showdown against Jake Leberl’s outfit as Ady Pennock’s side narrowly missed out on an immediate return to National League South.

It’s not a match too many of those affiliated with Dartford will have been too eager to watch back.

Hill, however, has found himself overruled at home by son Jack.

“I’ve actually been watching the highlights all season,” he said.

“It’s the TV of choice for my three-year-old.

“Not just when we win or I score, he likes to watch all the games back.

“I’ve watched that game - and every other game - over many times!

“But I’ve enjoyed it, working with a great gaffer and a great group of lads.

“It’s the most enjoyable group that I’ve played with.

“When I reflect on it more, I think I will be more proud of it, rather than disappointed with how it ended.”

Hill, who became a father for a second time shortly after Dartford’s play-off final loss, knows - even though he won’t be playing any more - his son will still be desperate to head to Princes Park when they can.

He said: “I will definitely be going there.

“My little man has loved coming with me and walking out with me.

“Football still will definitely be a part of my life.

“My little man seems to be pretty firmly Dartford so I’ll be back down with him to see the lads.

“Hopefully, they don’t have to worry about the play-offs next year, and they can go up again by winning the league.”