Burman parts company with influential skipper

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman has today announced that he has parted company with skipper Alex O’Brien by mutual agreement, writes Stephen McCartney.

The solid central midfielder, and a true character, hasn’t featured in the Ryman Premier League for the Darts this season and spent a loan spell back in Ryman League Division One North with Chatham Town.

And Burman, speaking to www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk this morning, said heaped praise on the former Tonbridge Angels midfield rock.

He said: “By mutual agreement Alex has left the club. Although things didn’t work out this season for Alex, I think he has been the best captain that I have had under my management with the club.

“He was a great leader and without any doubt he was very instrumental in helping us to be (Ryman League Division One North) champions and win promotion last season.

“I would like to wish Alex all the very best for the future.”

Burman added he was pleased with the performances of reserve players, despite going out of the Ryman League Cup to Horsham, losing 3-2 after extra time, in midweek.

“Although I was disappointed to go out of the Ryman League Cup, I was very pleased with the players efforts throughout the match,” said Burman.

“There was a lot of positives to come out of the game and in particular the performances of Jason Ward, Robert Whitnell and Kiran Dingri, all players from the under 21 squad.

“I also felt that Lee Noble had a very good game. Ok, yes, he did get booked for trying to win the ball back and some refs see this as aggressive play, but some of the treatment he got without any protection was wrong.

“Opposing players do not like playing against Lee because he never gives them a minutes peace. It’s called 100% commitment and I for one is delighted he is in my squad.”

Burman remains impatient as he bids to find a replacement for striker Cody McDonald.

“As yet, I have not been able to add to the squad, although this has been a little bit frustrating. I am sure it will happen when the time comes,” he added.

Burman, who takes his side to Ashford Town (Middlesex) tomorrow, spoke about the injuries to Danny Dafter and Ryan Hayes, who were both injured during last week’s 2-0 home win over Billericay Town.

“After x-rays yesterday, Danny has not fractured his ankle but has ligament damage, so hopefully instead of being out for eight to ten weeks, we could be looking more like four, fingers crossed,” confirmed Burman.

And he added, “Ryan has responded to treatment this week and has a very slight chance of being in the squad tomorrow, but should be ok for Saturday week.”

Defender John Guest, meanwhile, will need a fitness test before tomorrow’s Short Lane showdown, having pulled out of the Horsham game at the very last minute.

Burman urges the Darts faithful to get behind his side for what he describes as “another tough away game.”

“We are all entitled to our opinions before and after the game, but for 90 minutes I cannot stress how important it is, that what ever team I select, we have got to stick together on and off the field,” he added.

Quotes courtesy of www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk

Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Dartford
Ryman Premier League
Saturday 21^st February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Short Lane Stadium, Short Lane, Stanwell, Middlesex TW19 7BH