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Ryan Hayes leaves Dartford FC to join Concord Rangers

Club legend Ryan Hayes has left Dartford after 13 eventful years.

Hayes' departure follows the resignation last week of manager Tony Burman, who brought him to the club in 2005.

The winger, who announced his decision on Twitter, will play against Darts next season having signed a two-year contract at their National League South rivals Concord Rangers.

Ryan Hayes has played his last game for Dartford Picture: Andy Payton
Ryan Hayes has played his last game for Dartford Picture: Andy Payton

Hayes said: "Since the day I walked into the DFC family it's been an absolute pleasure to put on a Dartford shirt. I loved every minute of it.

"It's the right time for me personally to move on (but) it's the hardest decision I've ever had to make in football.

"I've met some of the greatest people you could hope to meet. I'll miss the core (Elliot Bradbrook, Lee Noble and Danny Harris) like you wouldn't believe.

"I'll miss Princes Park, I'll miss everything about being at Dartford FC.

"There are always lovers and haters anywhere you go but I always gave my all in a Dartford shirt.

"The three promotions were a massive high and I'll never forget my time at Dartford.

Ryan Hayes scored 108 goals for Dartford over 13 years Picture: Andy Payton
Ryan Hayes scored 108 goals for Dartford over 13 years Picture: Andy Payton

"The DFC Express will not stop moving and I do hope the best for the future."

Hayes was 19 and Dartford were playing their home games at Stonebridge Road when he joined the club in April 2005.

He set up the first ever goal scored at Princes Park, in November 2006, and was part of the side which won Ryman League Division 1 North in 2007/08.

Hayes celebrated another promotion in 2009/10, the Ryman League Premier Division title, and then helped Dartford go up again via the Conference South play-offs in 2011/12.

He had three seasons in what was then the Conference Premier and made 580 appearances for the Darts - a total only bettered in the club's history by Steve Robinson and Les Burns.

Hayes is Dartford's sixth-highest scorer of all time having found the net 108 times.

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