Burman gets his Brucie Bonus - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

The 26-year-old former Redbridge central midfielder, made a total of 114 appearances for Barking, who are currently in second place in the Essex Senior League table.

But Bruce caught Burman’s eye when he played for Barking & East Ham United against the Darts in the Southern League last term.

“He played against me last year and he’s always done well against us,” Burman said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“He’s showed a lot of loyalty to Barking in their predicament. He’s the manager’s player of the year last year and was their captain this year.

“He’s a midfield player, he’s got experience at our level of football, and I’ve wanted to look at him a lot more closely and see if he can do a job for us.”

Bruce is added to the Darts squad for their trip to Molesey on Saturday.

The Moles impressed during the second period of the 2-2 draw against the Darts at Ship Lane back in August.

But midfielder Steve Hafner starts his three match ban on Saturday and Richard Avery, a rock in the heart of Darts defence, is expected to be out of action for three weeks after being carried off against Whyteleafe with an ankle ligament injury.

But full-back Tommy Osborne is expected to play some part having recovered from a bout of ‘flu.

“All of a sudden we’re a little bit stretched,” admitted Burman, who recalled their previous meeting against the Moles.

He said: “Molesey’s second half performance against us was excellent and on that second half performance they were one of the better sides that we’ve played this season as far as I’m concerned.

“It will be a very difficult game for us on Saturday. I think they’ve had one or two problems with injuries and suspensions themselves but we have to go over there and do our best.

“We’ve got to keep digging in. We’ve had a good December results wise and we have to go to the end of January and still be in there picking up points.”

Darts won their second league game at Princes Park when Whyteleafe were beaten 4-2 last Saturday.

A pleased Burman added: “I was disappointed that we’ve had another two goals scored against us from set pieces.

“Inside the first 16 minutes it was two-all but it was a good feeling about Saturday.

“I’ve been delighted with the players’ fitness over the Christmas period and their determination over the Christmas spell.

“We’ve got to dig in, whether you play well or badly, picking up points is what it’s all about at the moment.”

With the transfer window open for clubs at Nationwide Conference level and above Burman confirmed no offers have been received for his star players, notably wing wizard, Dave Martin.

He added: “There’s interest in a couple of my players but nothing is happening at the moment, there’s nothing concrete at the moment.”

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

Molesey v Dartford
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 6^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Herds Renault Stadium, 412 Walton Road, West Molesey, Surrey KT8 2JG