Ryan Hayes announces his retirement after non-league career that involved promotions at Dartford, Chatham Town and Phoenix Sports

Wing wizard Ryan Hayes has announced his retirement after two decades of playing non-league football.

The popular winger enjoyed plenty of success over the years - with five promotions - but now wants to focus on managing.

Tributes poured in following his announcement, with former team-mates and coaches lining up to salute his impact, both on and off the pitch.

Writing on social media, Hayes said: “The day has come…..after 20 years of playing non-league football it’s time to hang the boots up.

“Five promotions later and having met some lifelong friends, and been lucky enough to be part of some of the best dressing rooms known to man, it’s time to hang the boots up.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute, from making my Dartford debut to having a testimonial, to enjoying being a part of getting the Chats promoted, to leading Phoenix over the line to gain promotion, it’s been a great journey.

“The next step is to stay in football and start my management journey.

“Enjoy every minute you can while you play and remember ‘runners run, players play’. Hayzie over and out.”

From Slade Green, Hayes joined Dartford in 2005, then under Tony Burman, spending the next 13 years at the club with a brief spell away at Concord Rangers.

He made close to 600 appearances for Dartford and scored over 100 goals. He won three promotions and played for them in the Football Conference.

He joined Chatham Town under Scott Lindsey and helped them win promotion after a promising first season has been curtailed because of Covid.

At Phoenix Sports, he helped seal promotion back to the Isthmian League and in November 2023 stepped up as player-manager at the club.

Last season he had a brief spell at Hollands & Blair, joined Punjab United and ended the season at