30thmay05

Darts still searching for new manager

TONY Burman, caretaker-manager/director of Southern League Division One East club Dartford, admits they are no closer to naming their new manager, although the shortlist is down to three as to who will be the long-term successor to Tommy Sampson at Stonebridge Road.

Burman had hoped that an announcement would be made last week, but those plans have been shelved and a decision is now likely at the end of the month.

"Our attempts to find a new manager are ongoing," Burman said. "I thought something might have happened before the board meeting, but it hasn't."

"We have interviewed all the candidates and may now be looking to announce somebody towards the end of the month. We just don't know at the moment and we are all waiting patiently for the right man."

The new make-up of Division One East sees the likes of Enfield, Enfield Town, Ilford, Potters Bar Town, Cheshunt, Corby Town, Rothwell Town and Stamford add one more team from the seven positions vacated by the promoted, relegated and removed clubs last season.

Burman feels the new twenty-three-team league will cost the club money.

"I'm obviously disappointed with some of the distances we are going to have to travel next season.

"Sometimes, if you are playing too locally, although it is good for crowds and rivalry, you end up knowing each other's games inside out and too many derbies end up being detrimental."

"But we are disappointed to have to go as far as Corby and Stamford and a letter has gone in from the club asking for clarification about the new league as it does seem there is a little bit more travelling to do.

"It all seems a little strange as the whole idea of this redistribution of clubs in leagues was to regionalise it and get the teams more local.”