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Dartford winger Ryan Hayes awarded a testimonial as he approaches 500 appearances in 11th season with the club

00:00, 14 March 2016

updated: 10:38, 14 March 2016

Ryan Hayes has been awarded a testimonial by Dartford Football Club.

Hayes, 30, is now in his 11th full season at the club where he has won three promotions and scored 89 goals in 474 appearances since joining from Slade Green.

The winger's testimonial year will include a showpiece match at Princes Park on Sunday, July 17 when a Ryan Hayes XI will take on opponents yet to be announced.

Dartford winger Ryan Hayes Picture: Steve Crispe
Dartford winger Ryan Hayes Picture: Steve Crispe

Hayes said: "I’m delighted and think it’s a great honour to be granted the testimonial year with Dartford FC.

"The players I’m inviting will make the day a good one I’m sure and I hope the fans turn out in their numbers to help me celebrate my playing career and time at the club so far."

Dartford co-chairman Steve Irving said: "It is 11 years now since an 18-year-old Ryan Hayes announced his arrival at Dartford with two goals on his debut v Tilbury.

"In the seasons since then, Ryan his thrilled and frustrated fans in equal measure. His 89 goals place him eighth in the history of the club, the vast majority of which were scored in his trademark fashion, many of which have made us gasp at the sheer magic of the finish.

"His 474 appearances, made up of 339 starts and 135 from the bench, put him fifth in the history of the club, in that time winning the Ryman League Division 1 North and Premier Division titles, a Conference South play-off winner's medal and a Kent Senior Cup winner’s medal.

"To honour his amazing achievements, the club is delighted to honour Ryan with a testimonial year, starting with the match in pre-season. Well done Ryan."

Tickets for the testimonial match go on sale from the club shop and main reception at Dartford's home game against Bishop's Stortford on Good Friday, March 25.

They will cost £10 (adults), £5 (under-18s) and £25 for a family ticket - two adults and two children.

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