27thjan05

Board didn't back me 100%

TOMMY SAMPSON has revealed the chain of events that led to his sad departure from his beloved Dartford, writes Stephen McCartney.

In another exclusive interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk he said: "My time at Dartford has been thoroughly enjoyable.

"There's been huge difficulties in the three years financially but none of that outweighs the enjoyment I've got out of it and the pleasure I got from battling against all the problems.

"The board of directors are terrific people and they've got Dartford's future at heart but my main reason for resigning was not to stay in Dartford's way.

"I've got 100% support from the players and the management but I just felt the board didn't have the same 100%.

"So I thought the best thing to do was to have a nice clean clinical break and I leave on the very best terms with everybody."

Sampson, however, revealed he was in the process of bringing in three or four new players in time for Saturday's clash with Wivenhoe Town.

The Darts are languishing in 20th place in the Southern League Division One East table, just two points ahead of local rivals Erith & Belvedere - the side they play at Park View Road the following weekend.

"I would have liked to carried on but the agenda for me and the agenda for the football club was slightly different," Sampson revealed.

"On Monday afternoon I confirmed three new players to the club.

"I (was on the verge) of signing the best midfielder in the Kent League and two Ryman League defenders to play Saturday.

"It was all going to be done, they said they would meet me on Tuesday.  They all had firm agreements and I was going to take a lad on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge so as you can imagine the furthest thing on my mind on Sunday was resigning.

"Sunday night/Monday morning we were doing all this, and those four players would have been signed in time for Saturday's game against Wivenhoe.

"Obviously that's failed to materalised because I felt I had to resign come Tuesday.

"Things develop very quickly in football and I felt the best thing for Dartford Football Club was for me to leave.

"However, 36 hours before I wasn't considering my position but on Monday night/Tuesday morning I felt I had to consider my position."

With those new players - Sampson didn't give any details of theirs identities - playing for the Darts on Saturday, he was confident the side would have turned  the corner in time for their "six-pointer" local derby against the Deres a week later.

"I think we would have won on Saturday - we have been excellent at home but eight draws have really, probably, been the main detractor from our points tally."

Director Tony Burman, however, takes charge of the team for the third time and Sampson wishes him well and praises Paul Sawyer.

Sampson added: "I wish Tony well, he's a great friend of mine.  We played together, known each other for many years.

"If I remained as a manager we would have retained our Southern League status, without question.

"Tony is the right appointment because he knows the club, he's an insider and my advice to the football club was if we go outside that would cause problems.

"Paul Sawyer is almost disappointed as I am in me leaving.  He's loyalty to me and to Dartford Football Club is a credit to him.

"He's one of the best guys I've ever worked with.  I've worked with some good people in my time, I've been successful at times in my career and Paul has been a great comrade.

Burman added: "I would like to thank Tommy for his hard work and commitment over the past three years.

"As a friend I would like to wish him all the best for the future and have no doubt that he will be back in management with all guns blazing at some point in the future.

"And now down to the business.  I have agreed to fill the management position at Dartford Football Club until the right person can be found.

"If this is until the end of the season, which it probably will be, to help the board of directors make the right choice for the vacant manager's position, then so be it.

"To those supporters who know me, this will be the third time around as manager of Dartford Football Club, and each time it has been an honour to fill this position.

"But lets make no mistake, our position in the league for whatever position is appalling.

"I don't want to see Dartford Football Club back in the Kent League.

"This will be the hardest challenge for me to date.

"I will not make any predictions at present.  The news about the ground must, unfortunately, take a back seat so that we can concentrate on the next three months.

"I will give the players as much encouragement as I can to improve their performances but to fulfill this I also need as much vocal support as possible during our games from our fans over this crucial period."

Sampson, however, has revealed he will be back on BBC Radio Kent next Friday night, however, he will be taking a break from the sports show this week.

Dartford v Wivenhoe Town
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 29th January 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet