11thjune05

Darts expecting to lose Hafner to Maldon

DARTFORD manager/director Tony Burman has revealed Steve Hafner is sweating over an offer from newly promoted side Maldon Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Essex club, who have switched to the Ryman League after finishing third in the Southern League Division One East last season, and winning promotion into the premier division via the play-off's, are interested in signing the former Gillingham, Margate and Folkestone Invicta midfielder.

And Burman, who was appointed Darts' manager late last Tuesday night, after taking over from Tommy Sampson as caretaker in January, told the club's website he has asked all his players to report back to training on the 5th July but he feels he will lose the 21-year-old Sampson signed last November from Hastings United.

"All players have been asked to report back for training, along with some new faces who I will try and sign for Dartford," Burman said.

"I am going to need their answers by next week as to what their plans are.

"One player, Steve Hafner has attracted a lot of interest from other clubs and unfortunately for us could be joining Maldon Town over the next couple of days.

"The offer Steve has received is very good and above all he would be joining a club at a higher level.

"I will be doing my best to try and persuade him to stay with us as he is very much part of my plans for the coming season.

"Having said that, all the players were delighted, including Steve, that I am staying as manager."

Meanwhile, during today's Southern League AGM held in Stratford-upon-Avon, the draw was made for the first round of the Southern League Cup.

Dartford have been drawn at home to fellow Kent side, Chatham Town and it's expected that this fixture will be played on Tuesday 25th October 2005 (to be confirmed).

Work on the Southern League's fixture list will commence on Monday 27th June, with a view to a publication date of Thursday 14th July, subject to all integrated deadlines being met.  The league season, however, gets underway on Saturday 13th August.