Burman adds leader Burgess to his squad

The Darts boss has already brought in striker Allan Tait, 27, from Blue Square Premier side Eastbourne Borough and versatile midfielder Elliott Bradbrook, 24, from their Ryman Premier League rivals Maidstone United - and insists one or two more new faces will be added before his side report back to pre-season training on 2nd July.

Local-lad Burgess captained the Essex side in the league above the Darts last season, and the 25-year-old can play at the heart of defence or at right-back.

And the Cressing Road favourite is the son of former Welling United stalwart Ray Burgess, joining Braintree in June 2004, having started his career with the Wings.

www.kentishfootball.co.uk caught up with Burman as soon as the news broke and the Darts boss has high hopes for Burgess.

"He's played for Braintree for the last five years and he helped get them promoted from the Ryman League," said Burman, whose side must be one of the favourites to land the title at the end of next season.

"He's a good seasoned player, he's a good defender. He's a winner and he's a players' player and he's got the five years' experience, two or three years in Conference South.

"He's a good player who had played under a couple of managers at Braintree. Last year he was their captain and he will bring more experience to our side."

Burman revealed that he had to be patient with Burgess, who has penned a one-year contract at the Princes Park club.

He said: "I've had my first meeting two or three weeks ago, and he came back and had another meeting and terms have been agreed and he's signed for us.

"We've wanted players not to play in one position, we want to have an option with them. If players are injured, he's quite comfortable at right back or centre back.

The Darts boss revealed he is looking at players who are willing to drop one division to lead the Kent club's title charge next term.

"We're talking to lads in the Conference South," he revealed. "I've had meetings with about eight players now and we've signed three. We've spoken to a few and maybe one or two may still come back (to me about signing)."

Burman, meanwhile, ruled out the possibility of bringing in any players from league rivals Tonbridge Angels, a club that have been forced to reduce their playing budget last season - but he hopes to have his squad finalised as quickly as possible.

"Obviously Tonbridge have got some excellent players and unfortunately at the moment they're having to cut back it seems on their budget, but you have to keep your eye open," said Burman.

"We're not making any approaches for Tonbridge players at this moment in time."

He added: "We wanted to have a settled squad by the time they all report back on July 2nd and we're building towards that.

"We're not in no rush to sign players but we've signed three good players to add to the squad. Things are going the way we wanted and we may have room for one or two more."

Visit Dartford's websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk  & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk