Adam Birchall will add that little bit of quality to the squad, says Dartford boss Tony Burman

Tuesday 30th July 2013

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman has today unveiled the long-term loan signing of striker Adam Birchall from Sky Bet League One side Gillingham.

After weeks of negotiation between the two Kent clubs, an agreement was finally reached today.

Maidstone-born Birchall, 28, won 12 caps (scoring 3 goals) for Wales’ under 21s.

He has previously played for Arsenal, Wycombe Wanderers (loan), Mansfield Town and Barnet before being a hit for Dover Athletic, when he became record goalscorer in Conference South, scoring 45 goals in 49 appearances during the 2010-11 season.

He also was the top goal scorer in the FA Cup that year and went on to receive the award at Wembley.

Birchall again attracted interest from clubs higher up the football pyramid and in July 2011 Dover Athletic received substantial undisclosed bids from League Two sides Swindon Town, newcomers AFC Wimbledon and local rivals Gillingham, for whom he signed a three-year deal on 12 July 2011.

However, he was seriously injured during a pre-season friendly and missed the entire 2011-12 season.

Birchall finally made his competitive debut for Gillingham on 14 August 2012, coming on as a substitute in a 2–1 away win against Bristol City in the League Cup.

He scored his first goal for the Gills in their 4-0 FA Cup win over Scunthorpe United on 3 November 2012.

Burman, who brought Birchall to Princes Park on loan in 2012, is delighted to have got his target ahead of the club’s The Skrill Premier (Conference Premier) campaign, which kick's off on 10 August when Alfreton Town visit Princes Park.

The Darts were the highest-placed part-time club in the division last season when they finished in the top eight.

“I am delighted that Adam has decided to join us,” Burman told www.dartfordfconline.com.

“He is an excellent player and will bring that little bit of quality to the squad.

“When I met Adam in the summer, he told me that the only non-league club that he wanted to play for was Dartford FC.

“I know he has the desire to get things right and that’s why I wanted to wait and be patient to secure his services.”

Birchall goes straight into Dartford’s squad to face Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly at Princes Park tonight (7:45pm).

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfconline.com