27 January 2018. Dartford win 3-1. Goals by Ronnie Vint and Andy Pugh (x2).

A wooden sculpture created by Sculptor Philip Bews, joins an impressive list of international commissions undertaken by Bews and partner Dianne Gorvin (www.bewsgorvin.co.uk).

The sculpture, presumably representing a supporter on the terrace, is 5.5 metres high and constructed from green (unseasoned) English Oak from the Forest of Dean. The head, torso and and legs are one piece, comprising an inverted forked section of a tree, while the two arms are jointed and bolted onto the torso. The feet are planted apart for structural stability and the arms are posed in an expansive gesture possibly showing celebration as the home team scores a goal. The figure’s left hand is fixed to one of the heavy timber beams supporting the stadium roof, which gives the sculpture stability.

As regards a title, Bews states that he has been referring to the sculpture as ‘Oak Man’, and sometimes ‘Dartford’s Biggest Fan’. He did suggest that the Dartford fans should eventually come up with their own name for the sculpture, possibly through suggestions or poll on the club website. He hopes that this idea will be taken up as he feels that it would help to ‘ground’ the sculpture in the stadium and the area in general.

Bews was first approached about the commission by the Dartford Council Leader, Jeremy Kite, who has been a driving force behind bringing Dartford FC back to a stadium in their own town. Kite wanted the sculpture to be literally on the terraces, among the fans, rather than more remotely in the club building or outside the ground.