Quartet sign contracts to stabilise Dartford - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Dartford manager Tony Burman admits he was “absolutely delighted” that four of his key players have signed one-year contracts to stay with the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

Talented wingers Dave Martin and Ryan Hayes, central defender Richard Avery and striker Brendon Cass have put pen to paper to stay with the club - having helped the Darts finish their Southern League Division One East campaign in seventh place.

Burman wants to agree terms with the rest of his squad by the end of this month. Players that don’t tie up their futures with the Ryman League Division One South club will “part company”.

But who will want to leave the Darts with their new stadium at Princes Park on the horizon?

“I am absolutely delighted it’s what we’ve been working on for the last week,” revealed Burman.

“All the players wanted to stay with the club and Brendon wasn’t on contract but I’ve put him on one because I don’t want seven day approaches interfering with the stability of the team.”

Burman expects “one or two” more players will be placed on contracts but did reveal he’s invited everyone back to pre-season training.