Dartford manager Ady Pennock is delighted to secure the services of Samir Carruthers for next season.

The influential 32-year-old midfielder was at Arsenal as a youngster before signing for Aston Villa, where he made his Premier League debut against Liverpool in 2012.

Carruthers’ career saw him feature for MK Dons, Sheffield United and Cambridge United before dropping into non-league.

He’s a fans’ favourite at Princes Park and Pennock was keen to retain his services.

“Samir brings a lot of quality,” explained Pennock. “I don’t think there’s anyone in this league that brings that much to the table.

“He’s got an unbelievable footballing brain and he’s shown that throughout the season. He created so many chances and chipped in with some goals as well.

“I’m really pleased that we got that over the line.

“On and off the pitch he was very good. He was excellent with the youngsters, we had a young side and he really helped them.

“I knew he was going to bring quality to the squad because of the levels that he’s played at, you don’t play at that level for no reason. He’s not 21 anymore but he plays football with his brain.”

Classy Carruthers featured 42 times for the Darts last season, scoring 12 goals, despite missing virtually all of pre-season through injury.

Pennock also admitted he had to handle the player with extra care during the run-in.

“That was a worry when he had a heel problem in pre-season,” said Pennock. “But as soon as we got him up to speed he was great and he didn’t actually miss many games.

“It was just a shame that in the last four or five matches, he had a little niggle. He wanted to keep playing so I had to keep managing him that way as he wanted to be involved every single minute.

“I had to manage him in the [play-off] semi-final and the final when he wasn’t 100 per cent fit but he brings that quality to the side. He’s a great lad, he’s a great character and I do like that side of him as well.”

Carruthers joins striker Callum Jones in agreeing to stay at Princes Park next season.

They’ve already been joined by Sam Okoye, Sam Odaudu, George Whitefield, Luther Williams, Dean Nayler, Gabe Campbell, Denzelle Olopade, Jeremiah Pinder, Joseph Kpaka, Olly Box and Ashdon Day, who all had options in their contracts exercised.

It puts Pennock in a strong position as he looks to build on a season which saw Dartford finish third in Isthmian Premier.

“Twelve months ago I was wondering where we were going to go from here as I only had a couple of players,” said Pennock.

“It was a case of talking to a lot of people, doing a lot of homework and trying to get it right. We’ve got the base of a good side now and we need to build on that and tinker with it a little bit.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve got Samir and Callum signed up. I’m already speaking to other new players to potentially come in and I’ve still got to speak to a few players from the squad who have been away.

“I have to speak to people face to face, I won’t do it over a phone call, I’m not like that. You want it done as soon as possible.”

Midfielder Louis Dunne, who was on loan from Chelmsford during the second half of last season, has joined ambitious Isthmian North outfit Maldon & Tiptree next season.

The Isthmian Premier line-up for the 2025/26 season was confirmed by the FA at the end of last week.

Isthmian Premier constitution 2025/26: Aveley, Billericay Town, Brentwood Town, Burgess Hill Town, Canvey Island, Carshalton Athletic, Chatham Town, Cheshunt, Chichester City, Cray Valley, Cray Wanderers, Dartford, Dulwich Hamlet, Folkestone Invicta, Hashtag United, Lewes, Potters Bar Town, Ramsgate, St Albans City, Welling United, Whitehawk, Wingate & Finchley.