1stapr05

Ansell turns down a move to Deres

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman has revealed Teddy Ansell has turned down a transfer deadline move to their Southern League Division One East rivals Erith & Belvedere, writes Stephen McCartney.

Burman, speaking on the Darts' website, admitted he was "delighted with his decision" but it's doubtful Jay May will make a return to the club following a spell with Ryman Premier League strugglers Tonbridge Angels.  

Midfielder Ryan Briggs has also decided to stay at Park View Road to help keep Erith & Belvedere in the division.

Burman revealed: "I put in seven day approaches for two players.  One being Ryan Briggs of Erith & Belvedere and the other being Jay May of Tonbridge Angels.

"Ryan decided he could not leave Erith & Belvedere with the position that they are in, which I fully respect and I did not get round to speaking to Jay as after the seven day letter went in but we were informed that Jay starts a thirty-five day suspension from early April.  

"I felt these two players would have strengthend our squad in depth for the last six games bit it was not to be.

Long term casualty, former Gravesend & Northfleet midfielder Eddie McClements, could be added to the squad for tomorrow's home game against Barton Rovers, which Burman described as a "massive boost."

Darren Thomson, however, has been told he won't play for the Darts again this season, after playing in a local Sunday League cup final on Good Friday, against his manager's wishes.

Thomson was caught out after Burman read a match report of the final in the local press.

"The rule as I see it is if you have permission from the manager then play.  If you don't you will suffer the consequences." warned Burman.

"I read in the local paper that one of our paid players played in a local Sunday League final on Good Friday.

"I phoned Darren Thomson for him to confirm this, which he did.  I hope his so called friends are happy as Darren will not play for this club again this season."

Looking ahead to tomorrow' league game with Barton Rovers, Burman added: "Our opponents are five points off a play off position and are obviously in a much higher position than us, and again, is going to be a difficult game.

"In our last two home games, I feel the players have let themselves and the fans down with their performances.

"I am really hoping that they improve this time around and show the fans their true potential.

"After last weekend's strange results in our division we need more points to catch us with those clubs above us."

Dartford v Barton Rovers
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 2nd April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet