Cable - it's decision time - EXCLUSIVE

Dartford manager Tony Burman has said that he’ll be making a decision whether he’s going to sign Rikki Cable after tomorrow’s home game with Hastings United, writes Stephen McCartney.

Cable, the former Faversham Town striker, is currently on contract with Kent League side, Thamesmead Town, but has been playing for the Darts - and the Mead - during this pre-season campaign.

Cable played for Thamesmead against Fisher Athletic last night, and will feature for the Darts when they welcome Ryman Premier League side, Hastings United to Princes Park Stadium tomorrow.

“Keith (McMahon) wanted Rikki to play for him (against Fisher), Burman explained EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk following their 4-1 win at Sevenoaks Town last night.

“Because he hadn’t signed Kent League forms for Thamesmead, we could only have him for two games

“We’ve had him for those two games but we’ve got an agreement, hopefully, that he’ll be playing for us Saturday, against Hastings, and although Hastings, I think, are interested in him as well.

“I’ll speak to Keith, if he plays for us then I’ll probably make a decision after the game, or next week sometime.”

Burman, meanwhile, is pleased with his players’ fitness, having played four of their nine pre-season friendlies.

The Ryman League Division One North side were chasing shadows in their opening pre-season games, against Tottenham Hotspur (2-7) and Crystal Palace (0-3).

But they have scored four goals apiece against Kent League sides, Tunbridge Wells (4-0) and at Greatness Park last night.

Despite former Tonbridge Angels’ star, Luke Piscina giving the hosts an ninth minute lead, Dartford defender John Guest’s screamer brought Burman’s side back on level terms after 35 minutes.

Sevenoaks, who could only bring on a goalkeeper, Jamie Williams, at the break, as they had NINE players unavailable, wilted, and Ryan Hayes, playing in the middle of the park, and substitute Eddie McClements, playing as a striker, netting a brace, made the scoreline more comfortable than it was.

Burman is looking forward for more fitness tests when Hastings United visit tomorrow, followed by a visit from Blue Square Southern club, Lewes next Tuesday.

He said: “We’re in a situation like Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells have been. We play in a higher league than them and Hastings are playing in a higher league than us, and so are Lewes.

“We also might get the run-around and might be struggling,” he warned.

“But it’s all about getting fit, results are not the be all and end all, it’s the fitness and trying to get things working right for the 18^th, for us.”

Dartford have already watched their first day opponents, Maldon Town, for next month’s clash at Princes Park.

“We’ve had them watched,” revealed Burman. “Whether it’s too early or not, I don’t know, but they’ve been watched.

“We’ll find out more when it gets closer to the 18^th.”

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

*This article was published on Friday, 27th July at 8am.


Dartford v Hastings United
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 28^th July 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, DA1 1RT