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Dartford captain Elliot Bradbrook says his pride wouldn't let him walk away from the club when they were struggling

00:00, 15 January 2016

Elliot Bradbrook says he’s determined to finish his Dartford career on a high as he approaches another big milestone for his hometown club.

Bradbrook is about to become only the 15th player in Darts history to reach 300 appearances and the 30-year-old is proud of joining that exclusive club.

But it was pride of a different kind which kept the captain at Princes Park following relegation from the National League. Bradbrook could have walked straight into another team but chose to stay and put things right.

Dartford captain Elliot Bradbrook Picture: Steve Crispe
Dartford captain Elliot Bradbrook Picture: Steve Crispe

He said: "You do get people phoning you up in the off-season. With Dartford struggling a little bit, it was one of those situations where other clubs try to pick you off or see if you’re interested in having a change.

"But I didn’t want to leave it how it was. It would be relatively easy to walk away and say ‘I’ve done as well as I can and it’s time for someone else to go’ but I’m a proud person.

"Regardless of money situations or whatever, I wouldn’t want to walk away from a club I’ve been so successful with when things aren’t going right.

"I was probably too proud to do that. I enjoy being around the guys and the club but one of the big personal reasons for me staying was that I don’t want to walk away from a situation like that.

"I’d much rather work hard, get through it and end on a positive note through promotion or winning something than walk away to another club.

"That’s how I feel about it and hopefully I get the opportunity to do that."

Elliot Bradbrook ploughs through the mud against Bristol Rovers last season Picture: Andy Payton
Elliot Bradbrook ploughs through the mud against Bristol Rovers last season Picture: Andy Payton

Bradbrook’s recent excellent form was recognised this week when he was named National League South player-of-the-month for December.

Still the driving force in their midfield, he’s helped Dartford storm into play-off contention at just the right time.

Bradbrook said: "I’ve been with Dartford a long time now and there’s nothing more I’d like to see than for them to get promoted back up to that other league.

"If that were to happen this season, fantastic. It probably means I wouldn’t get to be part of the club any more but winning games and being promoted is what you play football for.

"If it was to happen over the next few years, I’d like to be there. I’m 31 this month so I’m probably only looking at three or four more years if I’m lucky.

"If we were able to get back up into the Conference, that would be fitting for myself, Tony Burman, the coaching staff and a few of the lads who have been here for a long time.

"If we were all able to give that back to the club as maybe the last thing we do, that would be quite fitting."

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