Dartford’s latest signing Matt Fry is ready to put his injury nightmare behind him and work his way back to the Football League.

The 22-year-old defender became Tony Burman’s fifth summer capture when he joined the Darts on Tuesday.

A highly-rated member of West Ham’s youth set-up, Fry suffered a setback when he damaged cruciate knee ligaments aged 15.

He picked up a meniscus injury (knee) during a loan spell at Gillingham in 2009 and then had groin and hernia operations after moving to Bradford in 2012.

But having helped Ryman League Concord Rangers win promotion last season, Fry is on his way back.

He said: “I still love my football and I’m confident in my own ability. Injuries aren’t in my hands and I’ve had to go with the cards I’ve been dealt.

“I’ve played at the top end of League 1, challenging for the league with Charlton, so if I can get my fitness levels back, there’s no reason I can’t get back there.”

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.