Carter Makes A Big Impression – And Is Loving Life Running The Extra Mile In A Dartford Shirt
He’d only been on the pitch a few minutes against Aveley this weekend after coming on as a substitute, when he’d turned, completed a one-two with Dan Smith, threaded an exquisite through-ball over the top to Olly Box, ran up the pitch for the return and rattled the bar with a thumping left foot shot. It’s fair to say, Dan Carter has quickly taken to men’s football.
At just 18-years-old, the Leyton Orient loanee has impressed management and fans alike with his quick feet, work-rate and maturity beyond his years.
His loan period was extended from an initial month until the end of the season – and he’s loving every minute of his time here.
He said: “I’m really enjoying it. It’s obviously the first time I’ve played men’s football, but I’m really happy I chose Dartford. It’s been good for me and I feel like I’m learning all the time.”
Dan joined Leyton Orient when he was eight and has worked his way through the system to a first-year pro and playing for the U21s.
He has been on the first team bench for a number of cup games including the FA Cup against Manchester City a year ago, although is yet to get on the pitch.
He now juggles his time playing for the U21s and training at his home club, with training and matches at Dartford.
He continued: “My granddad saw an advert for a trial in the programme when I was eight. I turned up and kept making it through the rounds as they narrowed it down until I was taken on.
“I’ve had some great experiences being on the bench and they have the option to recall me for cup games if they need to. I’ve enjoyed playing for the U21s, I’ve scored a few goals including a few important ones, but I think I could score more.”
How has he found his first season on loan and first season playing men’s football?
He said: “Pairing the Dartford games with the U21 games is a good range of experiences. It also means I’m getting a lot of game time now.
“The first thing I noticed playing for Dartford was definitely the physicality. It’s a lot more physical than an U21s game. In the U21s you can sometimes go a game without a major tackle and there’s not those players looking to stand up to you and win headers and trying to push you about a bit.
“It also feels like it means more to the players at Dartford, if that makes sense, like getting the result and sort of winning those battles means a lot more. You can see more of that fight and energy in these games and that win-at-all-cost mentality.
“There’s a lot of athletic players at Dartford and other teams as well, it’s something you notice. The pace of the game is totally different. You want to run and win for each other.
“I know Hayden Bullas who played here last year and he said it was a great group here and I would 100 per cent agree with this.
“Having players like Samir and Michael in the changing room is massive. It’s a really good team spirit here and something I’m really loving being part of.”
It took a few weeks for Dan to get his first start, but he really made his mark with a stunning goal at Billericay. What kind of player does he see himself as?
He continued: “The goal quietened my nerves down. I was a bit nervous with the start, but it helped me get into the game.
“I was happy to sit on the bench and wait for my opportunity, but it’s been great to get these starts and extra experience.
“I definitely like the number 10 position the most. I can play on the wing and midfield, but I’d say that the 10 is my favourite. I see myself as an in-the-pocket player. So, you know, trying to turn and face up and find passes, get shots off and things like that.
“I take a lot of risks in games. I’m always trying to face up players and not always look for an easy option with a pass. I like to do reverse passes. I’d like to say I’ve got a decent touch, and I like to bring it down and get the ball on the floor where I can. And I run a lot in games, probably a bit too much. I should probably try and stand still a bit more!”
At just 18, Dan has a bright future ahead of him. Does he have any major ambitions in the game?
He said: “I try not to look that far ahead and take a week at a time. Can I get myself another 90 minutes and keep on ticking over? At the minute, I’m focused on Dartford and the U21s and I’m seeing where that takes me. I’m really enjoying it, which is a massive factor in the decision to stay for the whole season.
“Ady’s been huge. What areas should I bring the ball down in? And when to hook it. I’m definitely learning how to play the game of football here, if that makes sense. Positioning. Game management. When to run with it. He’s a lovely guy as well. I really enjoy being in the building and training with the squad.”
As the team reaches the business end of the season, has Dan any last thoughts about his time here and what he’d like to achieve?
He added: “When you’ve been exposed to playing in front of fans, especially the Dartford fans – who are really good – and having that good team around you as well, it makes you want to close that ball down and run those extra metres and get that tackle in.
“The team is around the play-off positions and we are focussed on getting three points every game.
“It would be a killer to get to the end of the season and not have those playoff games or be up there right at the top of the table. There’s a long way to go and we want to take it one game at a time, but the mentality is to win every game and see where that can take us.”