Dartford part company with manager Alan Dowson

DARTFORD have parted company with manager Alan Dowson.

 

The Princes Park outfit are currently in a lowly sixteenth-place in the National League South table, having collected 34 points (nine wins, seven draws and 11 defeats) from their 27 league games.

The Darts lost 2-1 to Maidstone United on Tuesday night.

“Over the years, we have said many times that Dartford Football Club is nothing without the network of supporters, local sponsors, friends and wider community who make the club what it is,” said a club statement. 

“The non-league game is very different from the big money business that national football has become and the role of a Board in clubs like ours is very different too. 

“We are all local people who love the club and we try, often against considerable odds, to ensure we serve the community and create opportunities for players and supporters to be part of a friendly and well-run club.

“Our current league is competitive and unforgiving.  Sometimes results simply don’t reflect the amount of effort and goodwill that individuals put in to secure success.  However, one thing we all know about sport is that results matter and part of being custodians of a club like Dartford is the need to always reflect on what’s best for the future. 

“Dowse’s arrival at Princes Park was widely welcomed by the DFC family and we all looked forward to a period of success on-and-off the field. 

“No one can question the enthusiasm and commitment of Dowse and his wider management team. They are passionate football people through-and-through and on a personal level it has been a pleasure to work with every single one of them. 

“However, we have to accept that the results have not been forthcoming and the Board has a responsibility to make decisions to focus on progression.  

“The Board has taken the difficult decision to relieve Dowse of his managerial responsibilities for the men’s senior team at Princes Park and Tony Burman will take temporary control until a new manager is appointed.

“It should go without saying that we thank Dowse and his team for their efforts and wish them all well in whatever they pursue next in football.  They will always be welcome guests at Princes Park.”

Dartford – without a win in their last three games – are next in action on Tuesday 16 January – when they travel to play Truro City.

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.com