I feel a responsibility to stay and help get Darts back to where it belongs, says Elliot Bradbrook

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman has unveiled the double signing of brothers Elliot and Tom Bradbrook ahead of the club’s Conference South return.

Striker Tom Bradbrook scored 26 goals to help Leatherhead win promotion to the Ryman Premier League last season.

The Surrey side defeated Folkestone Invicta 3-1 on penalties in the Ryman League Division One South Play-Off Final on 3 May, with Bradbrook scoring the opening goal of the game.

Dartford’s Academy coach, Deren Ibrahim, 23, saved two spot-kicks for Leatherhead during the penalty shoot-out.

Tom Bradbrook tweeted earlier: “Just want to say a big thanks to everyone involved with Leatherhead, had a great two years there. Good luck next year!

“Very proud to be with the Darts again, especially playing with my brother.  Here’s to a good season!”

Burman told www.dartfordfconline.co.uk: “It is great delight that I can announce today that captain Elliot Bradbrook has signed for another season at Dartford, alongside his kid brother Tom!”

The Darts lost their Conference Premier status after two seasons when they were relegated after finishing in the bottom three with 44 points from 46 games.

Elliot Bradbrook added: “I have been here for five years, club captain for four years and I feel at home here.

“After so many successful years, what happened last season was heart-breaking and I feel a responsibility to the management team, the club and the supporters to stay and help get this club back to where it belongs.”

Having never played on a team together before, something that Elliot had always wanted to do, it will be an interesting partnership.

Tom said that playing alongside Elliot is one of the main reasons he accepted the offer at Dartford.

Elliot is looking forward to providing the ammunition for his brother to score the goals to secure promotion at the end of next season.

He said: “Tom doesn’t need any advice from me. He is an experienced and very talented striker who has scored a lot of goals wherever he has played and I am sure he will do the same at Dartford. We are very lucky to have him here.”

Meanwhile, Burman confirmed that versatile Nathan Collier, 27, has decided to stay with the club.

Burman, who, before the club’s relegation, was the longest serving English manager in the top five divisions of English football, added: “After interest from other Conference clubs, I am delighted to advise that Nathan Collier has decided to stay with Dartford and has signed for next season.”

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfconline.co.uk