Carl Rook scores from the penalty spot for Tonbridge. Picture: David Couldridge

Exclusive by Matthew Panting

Carl Rook is hoping to become a fans' favourite at Dartford and follow in the footsteps of Cody McDonald.

The former Tonbridge striker moved to Princes Park this week for an undisclosed fee and is ready to help the Darts clinch the Ryman League Premier Division title.

"Playing in front of 1,400 people every week will be brilliant and I want to get my fair share of goals for Dartford now," revealed Rook.

"I didn't realise the pressure at Tonbridge when Jon Main went and I know Dartford are expecting a lot.

"It might not happen at first. I look at the other centre-forwards and apart from Lee Burns, who is a converted full-back, they haven't got into double figures yet.

"If I can start scoring goals for them then they could look at me as their new goalscorer."

McDonald left the Darts last season to join Norwich in a five-figure deal and Rook, who had trials with Brighton in pre-season, still hasn't given up hope of playing in the Football League.

"Tony Burman (Dartford manager, pictured) said to me that this is the shop window now," said Rook.

"They have so many people going to watch their matches.

"'I'm getting a bit older now, I'm 27 soon, although someone like Andy Hessenthaler didn't play league football until he was about 28. I still feel I could do it but it's up to a club to take a chance on me.

"I'd be disappointed if I don't play Conference National before I retire, hopefully with Dartford. But my first goal is to get 20 goals in Conference South and hopefully I can do that next season."

Rook was disappointed to be leaving Tonbridge but admitted that he has fallen short of his own high standards this season.

"I'm a little bit sad to be leaving Tonbridge as I haven't got a bad word to say about them," said Rook.

"I met other managers but I thought I was going to see out at least this season at Tonbridge. I spoke to a few in the summer but they weren't willing to offer any money.

"In the last four seasons I've been one of the two best players but this year I've been bang-average."

Rook also revealed that he could have joined Farnborough but he didn't receive the same warm reception as he got at Dartford when he visited the Southern League club.

"I went to see Steve King at Farnborough last week," added Rook. "He put me in their platinum lounge and then after the game he popped his head in for five minutes and then had to go and pick his son up.

"But when I went to Dartford, Tony Burman showed me and my dad, Neil, around the ground and I was really impressed with him."

See this Friday's Kent Messenger for more from Carl Rook