17thjune05

Hafner decides to move to Maldon

WITH most clubs at their level keeping quiet over their summer transfer news, Southern League Division One East side Dartford have kept their fans up to date with the comings and goings at their club, writes Stephen McCartney.

Former Gillingham, Margate and Folkestone Invicta midfielder, Steve Hafner ,who joined the Darts last November from Hastings United, has decided to join newly promoted side Maldon Town.

In a statement on their website: "Tony Burman (manager) used all of his persuasive skills to try and keep Steve but at the end of the day the prospect of playing at a higher level was the deciding factor.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to Steve for their efforts whilst with us last season and to send him our best wishes and good luck for the future with his new club."

Essex League newcomers AFC Hornchurch have approached Darts' striker Danny Heale but at the present time the former Concord Rangers and Great Wakering Rovers man has not signed for them.

At this time of year fans keep speculating over the futures of their players and potential signings but boss Burman has played down rumours linking him with Erith & Belvedere's top scorer last season, Chris Dickson.

Meanwhile, Terry Ratchford has been given the all-clear by his doctors to resume light training and he will be reporting back to pre-season training, which gets underway on July 5th.