Darts sign Barnes from rivals Maidstone United

Midfielder Nick Barnes has opted to move to his third club of the season, having joined Dartford from their Ryman League Division One South rivals Maidstone United, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts, fourth in the table, made a seven-day approach for Barnes, who started the campaign with Ryman Premier League outfit Tonbridge Angels.

Stones’ joint-manager Alan Walker told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk that Barnes decided to switch to Dartford with their £6.5m stunning new Princes Park Stadium opening on the 11th of this month.

He said: "Nick has been totally honest and upfront with Lloyd (Hume) and myself over the approach from Dartford for which we are thankful.

“He has been offered a wage which is significantly greater than what we can afford to offer him at Maidstone and that, added to the fact that he lives in the Dartford area, is good friends with several of the current Dartford team and of course, the attraction of playing in their new stadium, means that it was not a difficult decision for Nick to make.

"Both Lloyd and I would like to place on record our thanks to Nick Barnes for his efforts with Maidstone United this season and we of course wish him the very best of luck at Dartford."

The midfielder scored a total of six goals for Maidstone United in 30 appearances (where he started 26).

Both clubs play FA Trophy second qualifying round ties during the course of the weekend.

Dartford play their last ever game in Essex and welcome Evesham United to Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground on Saturday, whilst Maidstone United welcome Ashford Town (Middlesex), the side that dumped them out of the FA Cup, to Sittingbourne’s Bourne Park 24-hours later.

Visit Maidstone United’s website: www.maidstoneunited.co.uk

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk