Dartford dispense with the services of manager Steve King after two and a half years at Princes Park

DARTFORD have parted company with manager Steve King following a board meeting last night.

The Darts had to settle for a fourth-place finish in the Vanarama National League South, putting 74 points on the board from their 40 league outings.

However, their promotion hopes were dealt a blow after losing 3-2 on penalties to Chippenham Town, after a goal-less home draw after extra time in the play-off eliminators on Thursday 12 May.

Maidstone United celebrated winning the league title, having picked up 87 points and they will be joined in the Vanarama National League next season by second-placed finishers Dorking Wanderers, who beat third-placed finishers Ebbsfleet United 3-2 at home in the Promotion Final.

"Following a lengthy discussion at our board meeting last night, the directors made the unanimous decision to dispense with the services of Steve King after a litlte over two and a half years," said a club statement.

"In that time our league position has been a source of pride.  Finishing in the play-offs three seasons in a row is a huge achivements.

"Steve King is clearly a talented manager hence his initial appointment.

"However, Dartford FC is built on stability and the wider footballing and supporter family within the community.

"Our recent approach to player recruitment, development and retention, through successful in terms of league position, hasn't perhaps proved to be the best fit for us and our ambitions/plans going forward.

"Steve is a talented professional manager but the board is very conscious of the responsibility we have to the club's history and its future.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to Steve King for his tireless efforts since his appointment and we sincerly wish him well in whatever he does next."

Dartford won the Kent Senior Cup for the 13^th time in King’s final game in charge of the club, beating Isthmian League Premier Division side Folkestone Invicta 6-2 in Chatham on Tuesday 17 May.

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.com