Burman signs two ex-captains to toughen up his team - EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday 28th May 2008

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman is delighted to bring two players to Princes Park who will "toughen" up his squad, writes Stephen McCartney.

Burman has waited patiently to bring his first reinforcements to the club as he prepares for their new adventure in the Ryman Premier League.

Danny Dafter, 28, a central midfielder, arrives from Brentwood Town, a side that performed well against the Darts in Ryman League Division One North last term.

And Ray Powell, 28, a versatile player who can play right-back or as a striker, arrives from Tonbridge Angels, where he was a fans’ favourite, having been released by Tommy Warrilow earlier in the month.

Both players were captains of their respective sides last season and Burman believes will have the right characteristics for his team in their new surroundings.

Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this lunchtime, Burman said: "They’re two guys who can take responsibility in being captain and were captains.

"I tried to sign Razor (Powell) on loan last year and Danny is a lad in East Thurrock’s promotion side and played in the (Ryman) Premier with East Thurrock."

"What we know (about Dafter), he’s a central midfield player (and) it’s an area where we need to toughen up in and he’s a good all-round 100% type of player, whose used to playing in the Ryman Premier.

"Razor is a forward whose quick and he can play in a number of other positions, which is good to have in your squad.

"He’s also another guy who will give you 100%, win, lose or draw and you know what you’re going to get from him."

Burman, whose side return to pre-season training on Monday, 7^th July, has promised further signings.

He said: "I’ve been meeting a lot of players in the last month and put my proposals to them and people are starting to give me answers.

"We’ve got some more targets we’re bringing to the club. We’re not going to rush things.

"I want to be patient as more and more players become available.

"If I have a good feeling about a player, I’ll meet them and endeavour to sign them."

Two players that have left Princes Park are highly-rated central defender Richard Avery and midfielder Brad Potter.

Burman added: "They’ve both been released so they can get as many games under their belts. They’re going to be very good players in the future."

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