Burman keeps his squad options open

TWENTY players reported back for pre-season training at Dartford tonight - and manager Tony Burman hailed it a success, writes Stephen McCartney.

Burman revealed new signings Lee Noble and Rob Haworth - signed from Brentwood Town and Margate respectively - and defenders Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan - were all unavailable as they were still on holiday.

“I’m well pleased with the session,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk after the players at the Ryman Premier League club returned to Princes Park.

“It’s gone well and I don’t feel worried about the lads’ fitness. They’re reasonably fit these days and they’ve come back reasonably fit.

“We’ve had a good two hour session and for the first night it’s good.”

The Darts have two more training sessions ahead of their first pre-season friendly, against Coca-Cola Championship outfit Charlton Athletic at Princes Park next Tuesday night.

“We have three sessions this week, tonight, Thursday and Saturday and we’re into the Charlton game next Tuesday, which was a similar situation last year with Crystal Palace,” said Burman.

“The people that are training this week will play in that game. We have to give people 45 minutes and we need that many players as these pro clubs keep the ball well as they’re a lot fitter than us and we’ll give it a good go as we did last year.

“We’ve been told they’re going to field a strong side with some first team names in it.

“You have to realise these teams, the pro sides do try to help the non-league sides out but they can’t play their first team in every game but there will be one or two first team players available.”

Dartford suffered heavy defeats against Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur last summer - but still went on to win the Ryman League Division One North title.



JUST CHAMPION:  Dartford manager Tony Burman (right) shows off the Ryman League Division One North championship winning trophy with skipper Alex O'Brien.
Photograph courtesy of www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

The game against the Addicks, meanwhile, will enable Burman to run the rule over a couple of trialists.

Defender Richard Ketchel (Brentwood Town) and midfielder James White (Great Wakering Rovers) could secure deals with the north Kent club if they impress.

Burman said: “We signed the five lads that we’ve let out to the public so to speak and we had Richard Ketchel, he’s come from Brentwood. He’s come down to have a look at us, and James White.

“We’ll have a closer look at them and things will hopefully look up and potentially they’re two very good players.”

Burman hasn’t ruled out brining more players to Princes Park, especially after losing striker Jay May to Blue Square South neighbours Bromley recently.

“I’m pleased with the squad we’ve got,” he said. “We’ll look at the squad, the players, in the next five weeks and if we think we’re falling short then I will bring someone in.

“There will be more players when the pre-season (games) come along and if they become available then I will speak to them.”

Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk