Tony Burman steps down as Dartford manager: I feel the time is right for us as a management team, to step aside and allow fresh blood to come in and take forward this great club

DARTFORD begin the search for a new manager after Tony Burman and his management team stepped down from their roles at Princes Park this lunchtime.

Legend Burman, 59, revealed on Sunday that he was considering his future after losing 1-0 at home to Braintree Town in the Vanarama National League South Play-Off Semi-Final.

Dartford were seconds away from clinching the league title after beating bottom-of-the-table side Bognor Regis Town 2-1 at Nyewood Lane on 28 April but former Dart Jason Prior scored a dramatic 89^th minute winner to seal a 3-2 win for Havant & Waterlooville against Concord Rangers.

Havant & Waterlooville were promoted into the Vanarama National League as champions on 86 points from their 42 games, while Dartford finished runners-up on the same number of points but missed out on the title by just three goals.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Tony Burman, Paul Sawyer and Steve Mosely, are stepping down as our management team,” said co-chairman Steve Irving.

“Tony has been at the helm as manager for the last 14 years, plus his previous spells between 1993-1996 and as caretaker in 2001.

“Paul Sawyer, in addition to the two years as a player at Watling Street, has been with the club since 1994 as a player, coach and assistant manager.

“Steve Mosely, (has been at the club) as a player at Watling Street and as a coach since 2007.

“In total Tony played in a total of 535 games for Dartford, scoring 159 goals.  He has been involved as our manager in 880 games, a total of 1,415 games – a remarkable record.

“Paul Sawyer played in 324 games, scoring 22 goals. As coach and assistant manager, he oversaw 935 games. In total 1259 games – again, an incredible career with the club.

“Steve Mosely played a total of 89 games at Watling Street, scoring 11 goals and has been involved as part of the management team for over 500 games since re-joining the club in 2007.”

In a statement, Burman told www.dartfordfc.com:  “I feel the time is right for us as a management team, to step aside and allow fresh blood to come in and take forward this great club.

“I would like to thank my fellow directors, the supporters and volunteers, plus the many players I have managed over the years, for their support and commitment.

“The last 10 years, here at Princes Park, has been one of the most successful periods in the clubs history and I have been immensely proud of our achievements.

“The winning of the Isthmian League Division One North and Premier Division, plus the Conference South Promotion Final and two Kent Senior Cup Finals, have all been achieved in this period – success indeed.”

Mr Irving added: “We now start the process of looking for a new management team and will be announced that in due course.

“In the meantime, I think you will agree, that we must all pass on our gratitude and immense thanks to Tony, in particular, but also Paul and Steve, for their incredible part in this period of the clubs history.”

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.com