Tuesday night’s delayed game against Welling United saw Charlie Sheringham feature in our matchday programme. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
Charlie Sheringham is well-known around these parts. His familiar face has graced the Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park pitch on many occasions, and now he’s back for a fourth spell at the club.
However, life at Dartford hasn’t always been great for the 34-year old striker, especially under the previous management. He believes that his recent departure from the club wasn’t of his own doing, and he felt that his relationship with Alan Dowson’s predecessor was a strange one, “I wasn’t being played at all, and then wasn’t re-signed last summer, so I signed for Chelmsford instead. I really enjoyed playing for their manager, but results were inconsistent because of a very young and naive squad.”
Charlie felt that he did alright in Chelmsford, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances for Robbie Simpson’s side as they finished nineteenth in the National League South.
However, Charlie left at the end of the season and, with no idea where he’d be plying his trade this season, he took his family to Spain for a week during the off-season.
That family includes his partner and young son, Rudie. Three-year old Rudie is, “…fantastic and full of energy! He’s already playing football and never stops running. So, I’m kept on my toes at home because, my partner is expecting our second child, which is due in September.”
After congratulating Charlie on his wonderful news, our conversation continues with family and the rather inevitable question that he must get asked countless times… But, as we approach the subject of his famous father, Charlie immediately puts you at ease with his humility and comfort with talking about his family.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you surely must understand that Charlie’s father is Teddy Sheringham. And, he’s had a huge influence on Charlie throughout his life and is, obviously, an inspiration for him. “I’ve been around football all my life, and have travelled all over the place with Dad. Football has been part of my family history since the beginning, and I’ve been to hundreds of games, having been exposed to the sport from an early age.”
“I haven’t felt any pressure from being the son of a successful footballer, because the lifestyle is all I’ve ever known to be honest, so it doesn’t feel any different.” Charlie continues, “There’s nice positives for sure, but there’s also the negatives, such as some people always comparing me to him (Dad).”
Yet, Teddy has been a huge inspiration for his son both on and off the pitch. Charlie has received encouragement and advice throughout his life, and has always looked up to him as a role model.
Having been exposed to the sport at such a young age, it was inevitable that Charlie would find a career within the sport. Yet once again, Charlie’s humility and intelligence comes to the fore… “Unless you’re the next Wayne Rooney, you don’t always know whether a successful career in the sport will materialise. I’ve played for academies, so knew when I was maturing around the age of 18-19 that a career was possible. But, it has been tough. I’m happy with the career I’ve had. I’ve played for many clubs, and have played league football, so I believe that I’ve done alright in the sport.”
What about now? Does Charlie have a life outside of the sport? What are his future ambitions?
“Well, I love this club (Dartford). As soon as they came calling in the summer, I signed. In fact, whenever the club have called me, I’ve always come back! I want to remain fit enough to play, and help us score lots of goals and get promoted to the National League.”
With the sport being his main focus, Charlie foresees a further career within its famous white lines. He’s currently the Head of Football at a private school in North East London. And his career path is definitely taking him down the coaching and management path, “…I have my B Coaching Licence and am currently working on achieving my A Licence.”
He also loves golf and is delighted to say that he currently holds a handicap of six. We enjoy a good laugh over the fact that he’s much better at the sport than club captain, Tom Bonner is!
As our conversation draws to a close, Charlie has one final message for the Dartford supporters, “I really hope we have a successful season and score lots of goals. Let’s cheer on the Darts together!”
By Chris Palmer
The post DARTFORD FC | IN CONVERSATION WITH CHARLIE SHERINGHAM appeared first on Dartford Football Club Official Website.
