I expect promotion, says Burman

Wednesday 29th July 2009

DARTFORD boss Tony Burman says he needs every single member of his squad for the first few weeks of their Ryman Premier League campaign, which kicks off with a home game against Horsham on 15th August, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ahead of a team bonding weekend, and a game at Zamaretto (Southern) Premier League side Cambridge City, a side that have drawn all four of their pre-season games so far, Burman, who is expecting a very tough game on Saturday, says he needs to utilise his squad during a hectic start to his side’s campaign.

But he did warn that he might have to trim his squad in the future.

“I can’t carry on with that squad,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk following his side’s 4-1 home defeat against a skilful Millwall first team squad last night.

“People will be disappointed but at the start of the season we need a big squad to start the season and if I can keep the majority of these people then I will do.

“We’re up to 22 (players) at the moment, that’s got to come down but having said that we do have injuries.

“It is a strong squad and we’re going to need that in the first half of the season.”

Looking ahead to the game at Milton Road, Burman said, “I wouldn’t say that’s easy, it’s a tough game for us.

“We knew (the Millwall game was) going to be tough, and we know Saturday’s game is going to be tough.

“We are staying over, the chairman’s kindly booked us a hotel so we can stay over and the players can have a pint, a bit of bonding if you like, but make no mistake Cambridge are a good side.

“It’s a tough game, I’m not interested in the score, I’m just interested in my players progressing with their fitness.”

Burman revealed that summer signing Allan Tait is expected to make his Dartford debut, having missed earlier pre-season games through a combination of injury and his holiday.

“I’m hoping he will be there Saturday,” Burman said of the former Eastbourne Borough striker.

“He’s away at the moment, he went Sunday, he’s back Friday and hopefully he can do something on Saturday.

With midfielder Lee Noble (toe) and striker Jay May (groin) still on the sidelines, Burman added: “These things happen, but as I said before, it gives people another chance and (striker) Adam Burchell has taken a chance. He’s given me a little headache to think about.”

The Darts boss expects his side to clinch the Ryman Premier League title next April.

“We’re just pleased that things are progressing well,” he said. “I feel, and I hope, most of the supporters to feel that we are starting to put a strong squad together.

“I expect. I want to be promoted! I’m not going to lie about that. The expectations will be there and nevertheless that’s what I want to do and I want my players to believe it’s possible.

“It’ll be nice to get a good start but it’s a long season and I’ve brought in players that are experienced and know what its all about.”

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

Cambridge City v Dartford

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 1st August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 1UY