29thapr05

Dartford search for the right man for the job

DARTFORD are without four players for their last game of the season against promotion contenders East Thurrock United at Stonebridge Road tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts have Teddy Ansell and Tommy Osbourne doubtful for the game and are already without Danny Heale and Mark Horan for the game against the Essex side.

Darts manager Tony Burman told the club's website: "Our opponents East Thurrock have to beat us to finish runners-up and gain automatic promotion.

"From our point of view I want the players to go out and enjoy themselves and put on a better performance than we did at home against Barking and Maldon.

"East Thurrock are a very good side full of quality players and that is why they have been in the top three of the division for most of the season.

"But on our day our young players can perform as shown in recent weeks so if you are going to perform do it against the best."

Reflecting on their season, Burman added: "There's no hiding from the fact this season has been disappointing regarding our position in the league and I have no doubt we will all have different opinions to why this is.  Whatever the reasons we must learn from the mistakes and try and put things right for next season's challenge."

And on the club's future? "Over the next couple of weeks the board of directors have to make a very important decision who will be the next manager.  The board all agree on the type of person they want to take us forward but unfortunately these things take time and I know that we will do what's best for Dartford Football Club.

"From my own point of view I have always said that I will remain as manager until such a time that a suitable replacement is put in place.  Hopefully this replacement will be in place within the next couple if weeks, but it must be the right man."

Burman, however, has been pleased with the team having taken over from Tommy Sampson is January.

"Back in January when I was asked to take over team affairs for the last fifteen games the team were in the bottom three," reflected Burman.

"In our first five games we collected thirteen points.  Those thirteen points were probably the most important points we gained for a long time and without doubt pulled the club closer together again.

"I have enjoyed my time in charge and cannot thank everybody enough for their support but the goal was to keep us in this division and together we have achieved this.

"I think there are exciting times ahead for this club so let's all look forward and enjoy the experience."

Dartford v East Thurrock United
Southern League Division One East
Saturday 30th April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Stonebridge Road, Northfleet