Saturday’s game against Weymouth at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park saw Jordan Wynter feature in the matchday programme. If you missed the programme, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Having originally arrived at Dartford in September 2018. And, apart from a loan spell at Maidstone United (May-July 2019), the right-back-now-defensive midfielder has become an integral part of the Dartford squad.
His loyalty towards the Darts is commendable, and he has already featured on 26 occasions this season in all competitions, 24 of which were in the starting eleven. In fact, Jordan’s loyalty was rewarded earlier this season when Co-Chairman Steve Irving presented the player with an award before the game against Havant & Waterlooville on the 21st of October last year in recognition of him having made 150 starting appearances for the Darts.
The thirty-year-old scored his only goal of the season so far at Worthing back in November, where the Darts returned home with an excellent 4-3 success in Sussex under former manager Alan Dowson.
But, as a new era begins at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park under the leadership of the legendary Tony Burman (until a successor to Dowse is found), Jordan is in good spirits during the time of our discussion…
“I’m all good thanks for asking Chris. The weather’s getting a bit tasty now, but I’m good.”
Being the longest serving player in the current squad, why did Jordan re-sign in the summer?
“I mainly re-signed with the club because I feel that we have unfinished business with trying to get promoted. I’ve been here for a while now, I think it would be extra special for me to win promotion with Dartford. I’m familiar with the club, and I love how it’s run. I love the staff and the fans here, so it was kind of a no-brainer for me to re-sign.”
With Jordan now having entered his thirties, it’s possible that Dartford could be the last football club that he plays for. To have him remain at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park until he retires from playing would be a wonderful thing for us fans, and a brilliant achievement for the man himself. Afterall, he does feel at home here. And, he’s wise to the fact of his age as well…
“As I’m getting older Chris, I want to prolong my career for as long as possible. So, I keep on top of my stretches and try to look after my body. I don’t necessarily eat bad food, which also helps with my fitness levels.”
He continues, “However, due to my busy schedule, I don’t always get a lot of time to focus on my fitness to be honest. But, I always give it a go in training. Whenever I finish my coursework (more on that shortly), or have a bit of spare time, then I’ll head down to the gym to get a bit of a run in, or go on a bike. I also do core exercises at home… I just do what I can in my spare time really Chris.”
As he’s mentioned coursework, Jordan explains to me that he’s been rather busy outside of football, as he’s begun making plans for his future…
“I’ve recently started university. I’ve started studying a graphic design course called Advertising & Branding. It’s something that I’ve been interested in doing for a couple of years now, and I intend to pursue it once my career in football comes to an end. It’s something that I’m really enjoying as well. I’m currently trying to learn the fundamentals and am networking with as many people as I can, whilst doing the degree”
Having kindly taken time out to chat, our conversation reaches its conclusion, as Jordan must return to those studies. I’ll leave the final words for him to say to the Dartford supporters…
“For the Dartford fans… I thank you all for your support. Not only for this season, but throughout my whole time being at the club. Hopefully, we can get some kind of success this season. Bring on the rest of the season and Up The Darts!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
I’d be lying if I said I had a superstition! I have tried some here and there, but they didn’t work! I do believe in God, but I don’t necessarily follow any particular religion. So, I’m more of a faithful sort of person.
Best Memory?
One of my favourite memories would be scoring my first professional goal for Bristol City against Gillingham in the Capital One Cup. It was actually only my second appearance for City at the time… my second appearance in full-time football. It was a little tap-in, but it’s something I’ll never forget. The feeling I had during that moment is something that’ll always stay with me.
Biggest Influence In Your Career?
I’ll give this to my old Woking manager, Anthony Limbrick. Before I came across him, I’d never really had a run of games at my previous clubs. I think he saw potential in me. He played me out of position… at centre-half for the whole season, and I gained a lot of experience from playing there. So, I’m very thankful for his trust in me during that season.
Best Goal Scored?
Well… there’s a handful to choose from…! But, the one that sticks out for me was when I was playing for Barton Rovers (2016-17), before I joined Bromley. The ball dropped to me outside of the box, I touched it to bring it across my body onto my left foot, and half-volleyed it into the top-left corner against Royston Town FC. It was the only goal I scored for them. As I said earlier, my goal for Bristol City is my favourite goal, but this one for Barton Rovers was my best goal… ever! However, if you want to see a goal that’s been recorded on video, then my goal that I scored for Bromley, again on the outside of my left foot, hit the bar and went in!
Most Underrated Player You’ve Played With?
I’m not quite sure if he’s underrated but, I do think that he should be playing a lot higher than where he’s been playing recently… Noor Husin (Southend United). The stuff that he’d do in training and in games made you see that he was head and shoulders above the level that he’s playing at.
Most Underrated Player You’ve Played Against?
To be honest, respectfully, I don’t think there’s anyone I’ve played against that I think is underrated.
Biggest Influence In The Dressing Room?
Definitely Luke Coulson! He loves to keep everything in check. He’s the man who sorts out all the fines, sorts out who gets fined, helps us out on the pitch with tactics, etc… Alongside him would be Charlie Sheringham. He’s another experienced head. He makes sure that everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing. If we slip up, he won’t shy away from telling us so.
If you were to be involved with a five-a-side tournament, and had to select the best players you have played against, which five players would you choose?
In goal would be Daniel Bentley (at Wolves). Then I’d have Royston Drenthe (retired) [when he was at Reading], Nathaniel Chalobah (at WBA) [when he was at Chelsea], Jack Grealish (at Manchester City) [when he was at Aston Villa], and Ross Barkley (at Luton Town) [when he was at Everton].
By Chris Palmer