Burman adds strength to his title-chasing squad - EXCLUSIVE

Barnes made 24 appearances for the Nuts & Bolts this season but was released by Steve Lovell this week as the former Fisher Athletic, Tonbridge Angels and Maidstone United star didn’t figure in the Welshman’s plans for the rest of the season.

And Burman, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk , explained why he’s brought the midfielder, who was on non-contract terms at Ashford, to Princes Park.

“I’ve needed to strengthen the squad in the midfield area,” he said. “We had doubts over Eddie McClements’ fitness, he had and he is still not available this weekend.”

Play-making midfielder McClements is currently nursing a knee ligament injury.

“I feel we needed cover in the central midfield area,” added Burman. “I made an approach for Nick Barnes and as Steve Lovell allowed me to speak to him, he has agreed to come over to us.

“Nick’s an experienced player. He’s obviously played for many clubs and he’s still only 25 years of age.

“He has experience with teams going for promotion and experience in the play-off situations.”

By bringing in Barnes, Burman adds another strong member to his squad, in time of the transfer deadline at the end of this month.

“I’m seeing into the future,” explained the Darts boss. “In the month of March I feel we need to have players in the club to make numbers.

“I need to pick players once the deadline’s over if we get injuries we need to bring good players in the team.

“We need strength in depth, especially after the (transfer) deadline. We’re not taking nothing for granted.

“I didn’t bring players in last year like I should have done. I need to keep the squad as big as I can basically.”

Having said that, one player has been allowed to stay out on loan for another month, and that is defender Richard Avery.

Avery impressed during his first month on loan at Chatham Town, and their manager, Steve Binks was desperate to keep Avery at Maidstone Road for as long as he can.

“Chatham asked to extend the loan and with careful thought, I have let that happen,” explained Burman.

“I am entitled to call Richard back at a moment’s notice.

“In the first month we’re not allowed to do that. If I weren’t allowed to do that in the second month we wouldn’t have allowed the extended month to happen.”

With central defender Adam Flanagan now serving a two-match suspension, Burman has faith in the patient Tommy Osborne to slot into the solid back four.

Praising the loyal Osborne, Burman added: “He’s been brilliant! His attitude has been absolutely fantastic!”

Table-topping Darts welcome third placed side Ware to Princes Park on Easter Saturday before travelling to Canvey Island on Easter Monday (1pm).

“It’s a big weekend that’s for sure!” admitted Burman. “All of them are must-win games but we go into every game trying to pick up three points.”

The north Kent giants are involved in a two-horse race with AFC Sudbury to see which club will lift the Ryman League Division One North title - and the only automatic promotion place.

Looking at the grids below, it’s clear that the Darts must match - or better - the Suffolk’s side’s results between now and the end of the season.

Six points over Easter will pile more pressure on the Suffolk side and Tuesday, 8^th April is when Sudbury eat away their game in hand - at home to Canvey Island.

“We’re not worried about any other side,” said Burman, knowing his side are nineteen league games unbeaten. “We’re not concerned about any other side in our division. It’s entirely up to us.

“If we play well and keep the clean sheets that we’re doing lately, we have a great chance of picking up three points in each game.”

Third placed Ware, nine points below the Darts, visit Princes Park on Easter Saturday, and Burman said: “Ware are a good side, they beat us 4-0 earlier on in the season. They deserved their victory, were better than us on the day.

“But things have changed since then - hopefully it will be a good game.

“I think I’ve got the strongest squad in the division and I’ve said from the start and I still believe that and I believe that we can achieve our goals.”

Burman has issued a rallying cry to the Princes Park faithful to bring some friends and family to get Saturday’s crowd to over 1,500 - that will put the frighteners on Ware.

And he said: “We’re pleased to be in the (pole) position, we’re comfortable with it. On our day we’re a very good side.

“The lads have worked very, very hard to get in the position that we’re in.

“We’ve been getting over 1,200 just recently and the crowds have been fantastic.

“A crowd of 1,500? We’d love it! It would be absolutely fantastic if that happens. If we get over 1,200 we’re fine by that. The crowds and support that we receive has been fantastic!

“Ware will come here, like the other clubs have been, lifted by the occasion.

“We’re in for a tough game but I’m confident with the boys. What they have been doing since the middle of November, we’ve got that “over my dead body” attitude - it’s an excellent asset to have!”

Dartford are not going to let some mind games from Sudbury’s manager stand in their way as they bid to bring Ryman Premier League football to a club that deserve it.

“What other people say and try and say, it doesn’t really bother us,” said Burman.

“I’m telling the players to stay focused on what we’re trying to achieve and I’m trying to do the same.

“What I’m interested in is my team and doing the best for my club.”

Despite missing McClements, Burman will asses the fitness of Brad Potter (knee ligaments) and Alex O’Brien (calf strain).

DARTS GAMES OVER EASTER

Easter Saturday, 22 March 2008
Kick Off 3:00pm
Dartford v Ware
Princes Park Stadium, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT

Easter Monday, 24^th March 2008
Kick Off 1:00pm
Canvey Island v Dartford
At Park Lane, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 7PX

CURRENT RYMAN LEAGUE DIVISION ONE NORTH TABLE (top 8 out of 22)