Dartford manager Ady Pennock admitted he’s disappointed he couldn’t keep Luke Coulson and Tommy Block for next season.

The duo’s departure from Princes Park was confirmed this week with both players leaving for non-football reasons.

Skipper Coulson was a shining light in a miserable campaign - no player started more games for the club - as the Darts were relegated from National League South.

“Luke is moving back to the Swindon area,” confirmed Pennock. “He is a great lad and a
good footballer. It’s a shame that he isn’t going to be with us next season. He was our captain and he led by example.

“I want to wish him all the very best. If it was possible, we would have kept him because he’s got great ability and he cared about the club.”

Coulson joined the Darts in the summer of 2022 after a successful spell at Bromley. The 30-year-old, who previously played for Ebbsfleet, scored 19 goals in 95 games for Dartford.

Block was another player that Pennock was keen to keep at the club, but his personal circumstances meant that wasn’t going to be possible.

The Darts boss added: “It was too far for him to travel, he was doing a five or six-hour round trip just to come to training.

“It was too much for him and as much as I wanted him to stay, we had a chat and made a sensible decision.

“He has inherited his family business in Bognor and wants to spend more time on that as well.

“Tommy is a great lad and I wish him all the best for the future, he’s a top player.”

Block’s time at Dartford was plagued by injuries, having joined from Hampton & Richmond under former boss Alan Dowson midway through last season. He made just 17 appearances for the club.

Block added: “It was an absolute pleasure to represent Dartford. Unfortunately, due to travel I couldn’t stay as I need to play closer to home. I wish you all the best for the future.”

Six other players have also left Dartford following the conclusion of the season.

Strikers Alex Wall and Jordan Greenidge are leaving along with midfielder Tyrell Miller-Rodney and young keeper Tom Wray. Also departing are defenders Max Statham and Manny Adebowale.

Pennock added: “I’d like to thank them for their efforts at the club and wish them well for the future.”

Wall said on X: “A great club that has meant a lot to me from 2013 to now. A club that will no doubt rise again with the great people all around the club. Some great memories I will hold onto and cherish.”

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Loan players Ronnie Nelson (Colchester), Harrison Sodje, Rhys Byrne (both Leyton Orient) and Ollie Bray (Aldershot) have all returned to their parent clubs.

The departures mean that Pennock can start to focus on bringing in fresh faces to Dartford, who are sure to be an attractive club to potential signings. The remaining players from this season’s squad are in talks with the manager about their futures.