6thjune05

Fans want Burman to stay on as Dartford manager

WITH Southern League Division One East outfit Dartford set to announce the identity of their new manager on Wednesday, the fans choice is for current (caretaker) manager/director Tony Burman to stay on and lead the club in their final season in exile, writes Stephen McCartney.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk asked Darts' fans on their fans' forum who they would want to be the man that replaces Tommy Sampson (who resigned in January) at the helm.

Next season is an important campaign for the club before they finally come home and play at their own Princes Park stadium in season 2006-07.

Although only four people replied to the question we posed - they all want Burman to stay on as manager.

One fan wrote: "I predict Tony Burman will stay on as manager because he is the best choice at the moment for the club and will be able to continue the improvement in the present crop of players to give the next manager a sound base to work on.

"The main reason I think he will stay on is that we simply cannot afford a "big name" the money he will want, until we have more revenue from being back in the town.

"I remain on the opinion that once construction of the new ground starts the calibre of applicant for the job will increase.

"I therefore feel it would be a mistake to appoint a new man now and find that in nine months time better people will want the job.

"However, if the board can be convinced a top man wants the job now and this man is forward thinking enough to take a minimal salary now pending the move then yippee - roll on Wednesday."

Another fan, briefly added: "No one else would dare put their reputation on the line on such a small playing budget."

More comments followed on the subject: "I totally agree with the comments posted already, we skirted with the idea that Chris Kinnear (current Margate manager) or Andy Ford (former Gravesend & Northfleet manager who went to Stevenage Borough for a coaching role) may come based on the future potential soon to be launched but as time has lapsed then it appears not to be an option.

"We certainly do not want an unproven manager at this level and Tony Burman will do just fine for me next season."

And the fourth and final Darts' fan, who replied to our question within four hours of posting, added: "I have to go along with the previous posters.  Tony Burman is the man for the job at the present time, with a review sometime early next year when we are in a better position to know if the new ground will be in place for August 2006.

"Then we are in a better position to offer the job to someone with a pedigree at a higher level, knowing that Tony has already stated that he cannot offer 100% commitment due to running his own business.

"Chris Kinnear was the name most mentioned on this site but Tony Burman will definitely do for me."

So Burman is the fan's choice (well four of them anyway).  We shall bring you the news on who has been appointed to lead the club, which should be an exciting campaign for the club - their last in exile playing at Gravesend & Northfleet's Stonebridge Road.