Ben Greenhalgh quits Margate out of the blue to blow the board away to become Dartford's new manager

DARTFORD chairman Steve Irving has enticed Ben Greenhalgh away from Margate to become the club’s new first-team manager.

The talented 34-year-old is no stranger to Princes Park, having made 54 appearances for the first-team with seven goals and overseeing the club’s academy team over the past eight seasons.

Two seasons ago, he simultaneously took on the dual role of player/manager at Margate, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the Isthmian South East Division in his first season. He narrowly missed out on promotion after a semi-final defeat to Burgess Hill Town who secured promotion to the Premier Division. This season, he guided Margate to a sixth-place finish.

Having made a shortlist of potential managers, the Isthmian League Premier Division powerhouse said that Greenhalgh ‘blew the board away’ with his ambition, desire energy and progressive philosophy, fitting the mould of the energetic, hungry manager the board were looking for that matched Dartford’s promotion aims.

Dartford finished the season just finished in sixth-place in the Isthmian League Premier Division, missing out on a place in the play-offs by six points.

“The board were unanimous in its decision to go in a different direction from previous managers,” said Mr Irving, in a statement.

“We wanted someone passionate, hungry and full of energy – but with good managerial experience. It’s a route many clubs in the divisions above have been going in recent years.

“After dozens of applications, we had a shortlist of four and while the calibre of the candidates was exceptional, Ben stood out to everyone during the interview process and blew the board away.

“He is well respected in the game, having proved himself to be an excellent player and astute manager. His managerial experience at Margate at a young age has made him a hot prospect in football and we are very happy to be the club to give him this opportunity at a higher level as we aim for promotion.

“Ben is an excellent communicator and has a clear idea of how his teams will play, using a mix of hands-on coaching, man-management, technology and data to build a team playing progressive, exciting football, while creating a culture that is Dartford FC through and through.

“He has many contacts throughout the football pyramid and has a proven track record of developing players, as he has done here for many years.

“He is determined to help Dartford get back to where it wants to be.

“This is a considered decision and one we believe is right for the club at this time.

“We thank all the managers who put themselves forward and wish Ben the best of luck in his new role and hope this appointment will excite our supporters as much as it has us.”

Greenhalgh has replaced Adrian Pennock, who announced his departure to Isthmian League Premier Division rivals Ramsgate on the eve of the final game of the season.

“It’s an honour to continue representing this amazing club. There was always an ambition to return to the club in a more influential capacity one day,” said attacker Greenhalgh, who scored 22 goals for Margate during the season just finished.

“I came and watched my first game in 2006 and I live around the corner and always have done and know the club inside-out.

“I was gutted when I only played here for a season and a half. But through my time here as a player and academy manager, I know the potential the club has.

“I understand the ambition of the club and it aligns with my own ambitions. I’m really looking forward to getting straight into it and building a squad that has the same desire that I have to be part of this football club and get this club back to where it belongs.”

Margate have stated that Greenhalgh – who has managed over 100 games for the club and made over 250 appearances for the Blues as a player – leaves Hartsdown Park as one of their most decorated players in recent times.

Margate chairman Ricky Owen said in a statement: “We are disappointed that this has come about out of the blue.  We stuck by Ben and was ready to do so again for the 2026-27 season ahead.  To receive this news at this time is particularly frustrating but the search for Ben’s replacement starts in earnest.

“I’ve had a fantastic relationship with Ben. He is a good person who I have enjoyed working with.  There is no question how influential he has been at the club.

“He led us to a play-off campaign in his first season and narrowly missed out this year.”