5thjune05

Dartford ready to make managerial announcement

TONY BURMAN has revealed Dartford are "hoping to make an announcement this Wednesday" but didn't give any hints on who their new manager will be, writes Stephen McCartney.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Burman, a director at the club,  took over the managerial reigns, for the third time, from Tommy Sampson following his resignation in January.  He was, however, pleased with the team as they maintained their Southern League division one east status for another year.

"The players situation at the moment is they've all been kept fully aware of the situation but obviously some clubs may have spoken to some of them but I've asked them to hold on to see what the situation is at Dartford (for next season)," he said.

"Any manager coming in will invite new players along and possibly ask the existing players to stay and make ends meet."

Top striker Tostao Kwashi, however, will miss the start of pre-season training, which begins on the 5th July, as he is in Vietnam playing for a local side whilst coaching schoolchildren.

"Tostao went out on a coaching job with some schoolboys and whilst he is out there a team has asked for his services until the end of their season, which is the third week of July.  He will be back at Dartford on the 30th July." revealed Burman.

The Darts, however, are waiting for the local council to clear up any planning application objections before they can start to build their new stadium at Princes Park, which will take 38 weeks to build.

"The planning application has gone in via the council but things have been held up due to the election," revealed Burman.  "As far as I know it's still going through.  The objections have to be sorted out and when that is cleared up the everything will go through."

Although I won't speculate on the club's new manager, Burman admitted he was pleased with his third stint in charge of the club so close to his heart.

"I've been pleased with what went on," he said.  "The job we done was to get the team out of the relegation trouble, which happened.  

"The highs were not losing in the first five games and picking up 13 points out of 15.  The lows were the maulings we received at home to Barking & East Ham United and Maldon Town, although they were top teams - we were mauled."

Burman praised the club's fans for their brilliant support both in numbers and vocally - the club were the best supported club in the division - although they groundshare at their Nationwide Conference neighbours Gravesend & Northfleet.

"The fans helped us through the last 15 games and there's belief now - with the ground around the corner - they can see there's light at the end of the tunnel."

Burman, has set out the club's objectives to their new manager as they play their final season in exile.

"Obviously it's an important season to consolidate," he said.  "Whoever comes in to take the team on, we know we haven't got the best finances, but whoever takes the job on will know that from the start.

"We are looking to be in the top half of the table on a regular basis.

"When we go to the new stadium there will be a plan for where we want to be over a period of three to five years - and I hope we reach those targets.

"The club's been through a torrid time but for the supporters and the original board members to keep the club afloat has just been an outstanding achievement."

Just one more season then at Stonebridge Road and with the Fleet going full-time, Dartford have the extra burden of a rent increase - but at least they have the pleasure playing on a superb Conference standard playing surface.

Burman said: "We have agreed the rent for next season and it's a very reasonable increase - they have been very good on their increase."