Elliot Bradbrook stays at Dartford: I’d like to thank the new management team for listening and going above and beyond to keep me at the club

DARTFORD midfielder Elliot Bradbroook is staying for the club but will no longer be captain.

“It’s been a great honour to lead the boys out for so many years but while I will no longer be at the front of the line, I look forward to contributing all I can in the season ahead,” Bradbrook said on his Twitter account.

“All good things must come to an end, but not just yet!

“I’d like to thank the new management team for listening and going above and beyond to keep me at the club.  They didn’t have to do that and I really appreciate it!

“I would also like to thank Tony Burman, Skip (Paul Sawyer) and Steve (Mosely) for their tremendous efforts over such a successful period in Dartford Football Club’s history. The club is undoubtedly what it is today because of them.”

Manager Adam Flanagan told www.dartfordfc.com: “Everyone will be in agreement that Elliot’s service and commitment to the club is without question. 

“After years’ of service Elliot has asked if the club could support him in the upcoming season alongside his work commitments. The management team are more than happy to help him with this as we feel Elliot will still be an asset to the team.

“As part of this agreement the captaincy of the side for next season will change.  Elliot is a born leader and all the traits he has as a captain we know will remain with him when he plays.”

Reflecting on re-signing goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim, Flanagan added: “Deren is someone who we are very excited to be working with next season. We have spoken to him and said what our expectations are. We have detailed the areas of improvement and we are looking forward to see him return to being one of the best keepers in the division.”

Dartford have unveiled the return of 25-year-old defender Callum Driver from Jamie Coyle’s previous club, Welling United.

The Wings appointed former Whitehawk manager Steve King last night and has announced four new players in the shape of goalkeeper Daniel Wilks and defender Jordan Gibbons from his former club, winger Zack Newton (Worthing) and left-back Craig Braham-Barrett (Chelmsford City).

“We are delighted to bring Callum back to Dartford having been with us when the club was in the National League,” said Flanagan.

“The management team highlighted early on that the need for a right back was required and after having an excellent end-of-the-season at Welling, Callum was placed at the top of our targets.  We are excited to have him with us and look forward to him continuing to impress in the upcoming season.”

Winger Ryan Hayes (Concord Rangers) and full-back Danny Harris have both left Princes Park, while 28-goal striker Alfie Pavey is expected to leave.

“On getting appointed Adam and Jamie made immediate contact with Alfie’s agent, who advised them he was seeking to play at a higher level, which we have always known is Alfie’s desire to do so,” said a club statement.

“Alfie is on our retained list, however, is free to speak to other clubs and if he is to leave, because he is under 24, other club’s will need to negotiate with Dartford FC regarding compensation.”

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.com