Alan Dowson agrees new two-year contract to stay at Dartford, while 34 others are waiting for their next managerial opportunity

DARTFORD manager Alan Dowson has agreed to sign a new two-year contract to stay at Princes Park.

The 52-year-old Gateshead born Dowson has previously managed Walton & Hersham, Kingstonian, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Woking.

The Darts finished their Vanarama National League South campaign in second place, having collected 83 points (25 wins, eight draws) from their 46 league games.

Dowson’s first season in charge of the club saw Dartford finish 20 points behind promoted champions Ebbsfleet United.

However, the Darts lost 5-3 on penalties to St Albans City in the play-offs – after a 1-1 draw at home – and Oxford City joined the Fleet in the National League next season after the third-placed finishers thrashed sixth-placed finishers St Albans City 4-0 in Sunday’s play-off final.

“We feel it is due recognition for the outstanding work that Dowse put in to his first season with us,” said a club statement.

“Not only finishing in second place – our highest end of season position in five years – but the work he has done throughout the club, at all levels, to ensure that we are all pulling together, with the ultimate aim of promotion to the National League, which, let no one be unclear, is where the club wants to be.

“I’m sure that you will join us in wishing Dowse the best of luck for next season."

Meanwhile, there is just the one current managerial vacancy within Kent football and that is at relegated club VCD Athletic.

Michael Power parted company with the club after losing an Inter-Step Play-Off against local rivals Phoenix Sports, which ensured Steve O’Boyle’s side were promoted back to the Isthmian League South East Division 53 weeks after relegation.

VCD Athletic’s 10-year stay in the Isthmian League (including two seasons in the Premier Division) has come to an end and will join a 21-club Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division next season.

Meanwhile, there are a high number of football managers/assistant managers that are currently out of football at present.

The list includes Gary Alexander, Simon Austin, Paul Barnes, Grant Basey, Keith Bird, Jason Bourne, Kris Browning, Paul Byron, Micky Collins, Clive Cook, Nick Davis, Richard Dimmock, Ian Docker, John Embery/Jermaine Darlington, Joe Ford, Will Graham, Simon Halsey, Dean Harrison/Neil Hunter, Ian Jenkins, Chris Kinnear, Hugo Langton, Keith McMahon, Power, Luke Rooney, Gavin Rose,  Lee Roots, Richard Styles/Dan Morrin, Ray Turner, Danny Wakeling and Tommy Warrilow/Alex O’Brien.