Kentish Football

I'm giving my players more minutes on the pitch against Lions, says Burman

Monday 26th July 2010
DARTFORD have put plans in place to ensure their lucrative pre-season friendly against Millwall on Tuesday night is an enjoyable night for both sets of supporters, writes Stephen McCartney.


The Blue Square Bet South club have made the game all-ticket - with tickets available from the club shop on the day of the game between 2pm and kick-off.

Around 2,500 tickets have been sold at the close of play today and a last-minute rush is expected on Tuesday as fans grab the last remaining 1,500 tickets.

Dartford’s co-chairman Dave Skinner said: “There is NO general parking within the stadium on Tuesday night.  Parking is by Permit only, and permits can be obtained for Disabled and necessary drivers, by applying to the club.

“The game is a designated game and therefore the bar will close 15 minutes before the start of the game, open at half-time and then re-open 15 minutes after the end of the game.  We would ask all supporters to respect the requirements placed on us.

“We would also ask all supporters to take their place on the terraces as early as possible.  Everyone wants to watch this exciting pre-season friendly between two promotion winning sides, particularly with the close ties that both clubs enjoy, so please arrive early and get a good spot to watch the game from.”

Dartford manager Tony Burman says the newly-promoted Lions will bring a full strength squad to Princes Park.

“We’ve had some very decent games against the League sides and Millwall are sending near on their first team as far as I know and they’ve promised to do that,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the big game.

“It was an excellent time for us last year and hopefully they will give us the work-out that we need.  When you’re playing the pro-sides, they’re full-time, so sharp and they’re good and we’re chasing the ball and it’s doing us a lot of good.

“Pre-season has gone reasonably well and we’re pleased the players are getting fit during each training session and each game.

“The results are not the main issue to be fair.  As long as we see the players improve their fitness and their timing and they’re lasting a bit longer than 45 minutes and they’re getting to 60-70 minutes (then it serves the purpose).

“This year we’ve got a lot of new players and we’re getting them to gel together and that will happen in the next few weeks before the season starts.”

Burman said he will start finalising his squad shortly - and that their trip to play Bognor Regis Town on Saturday is a chance for his players to bond.

“I haven’t done that yet, not made that decision, but I’m close to doing so,” said Burman.  “I’ve spoken to near on everyone involved and I’ll make that decision probably this week sometime.”

Looking ahead to their weekend away in Bognor Regis, Burman added: “We’re fortunate that we’re able to have an overnight stay.  We’ve done it in previous pre-seasons and it’s been a major plus for us to be able to do that.

“There’s a lot of new players coming in and it will be nice for them to be all together for 24 hours and it does help out without any doubt and that’s what we’ll be doing.”

Burman says all eyes are on their Blue Square Bet South opener on 14 August - when Havant & Waterlooville visit Princes Park.

“We’re starting concentrating (on that game) now,” he said.  “We’re bringing a lot more into the training sessions and the games.  We’re trying to get the players to improve on their fitness  and then bring a little bit more organisation in the remaining games.  We go to Tonbridge Angels (7 August) and have two training sessions before the season starts.

“We know it’s going to be tough for us but having said that we’re so looking forward to it.  It’s nice to be back in better football again and we’ll attack the season.”


Dartford  v  Millwall
(ALL TICKET MATCH)
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 27th July 2010
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Princes Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT








 

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