We are up with the big boys'- but we'll do our best, says Dartford boss Tony Burman

Tuesday 10th July 2012
DARTFORD manager Tony Burman admits he’s playing with the big boys when it comes to the summer transfer market.


The Darts boss guided the club to their third promotion in six years’ when they defeated Basingstoke Town and Welling United in the Blue Square Bet South play-offs at the end of last season after finishing as runners-up to Woking.

The club embark on their Blue Square Bet (Conference) Premier campaign when Tamworth visit Princes Park Stadium on 18 August.

Burman explained why the club hasn’t unveiled any summer signings just yet.

He said: “We’ve spoken to a lot of players. A lot of players, who have asked to come and see us, have been full-time pros, which is very encouraging that they’ve wanted to have a chat with us. Some wanted to come as well. 

“There’s been a lot of talking and there’s been a little bit of a different ball game where players are out of contract on 30 June and when their pros they start getting paid straight away – their contracts go from 1 July.

“We’re not in that sort of league at the moment (being a part-time club) but we’re talking to a number of players. We haven’t pulled things off at the moment, but we have to be very patient.  I think as frustrating as it might be that’s the name of the game at the moment.

“July and August, hopefully, will get more interesting as players realise they may not be able to get a full-time employment and that they have to go part-time and there’s loan deals there to be had.”

Burman revealed that things have changed from this time 12 months ago when the club were in Conference South.

He said: “I think the quality of players that are coming to see me has definitely gone up and they’re very professional guys, who are not greedy or anything like that. 

“I’m delighted that the standard of player has been good but we can only do with what we can do and they’ve all been very impressed with what we’ve been able to tell them, but they’re weighing up their options and that’s why July and August will be different for us.

“It’s a little bit of a waiting game unfortunately.”

Dartford’s home game against Mansfield Town has been brought forward 24-hours to Friday, 26 October, because it will be screened live by Premier Sports.

Premier Sports have announced the first batch of fixtures that outlines the live broadcast of Blue Square Bet Premier games until the end of 2012.

Nineteen of the 24 clubs feature at least once and the intention will be to get as many teams on television throughout the season.

Burman marked the start of a new era by saying, “It’s a big surprise and it’s just like a feel good factor so to speak.  We have these things we might have to get used to. 

“We know it’s a hard task. We are up with the big boys’ that’s for sure and I found that out over the last few weeks with the way we need to think on and off the field, but we’ll do our best and it’s just nice.  It’s another string to the bow so to speak with being on the TV.  It just adds that little bit of extra spice to it.”

One man who has followed Burman on this ride is winger Ryan Hayes, who signed from Kent League neighbours Slade Green in 2005 when the Darts were in the Southern League Eastern Division and groundsharing at Stonebridge Road.

But the club has been on an upward spiral since moving into Princes Park in November 2006.

“Credit to him. He’s been outstanding for us over the years,” said Burman.

“The higher he goes it will be tougher to be involved as much as they have been but Ryan knows that.

“He’s a quality player and I’m delighted he’s with us and I think he deserves to be with us. 

“Many people in that league doesn’t know him that much and you never know, he might be just one to look out for.”

The Darts make their shortest journey of the season on Thursday night when they pay a visit to VCD Athletic for both club’s opening pre-season outing.

Ricky Bennett’s Vickers finished in third-place in the Kent League last season and they also collected the Kent League Cup after beating Corinthian 2-0 thanks to two goals from striker James Duckworth.

Burman is looking forward to the work-out at Oakwood, by saying, “I’ve picked the games with the games we wanted.  We’re always looking for big games and I just wanted to get some decent games in against the local sides who have been good to me over the years.

Burman, who revealed he will be taking eighteen players to Oakwood added, “It’s a game that gets the guys playing in their first competitive game and it’s the same against Thamesmead on Saturday and Erith & Belvedere next Tuesday.

“It will give me a chance to look at one or two guys who have come in on trial.

“We’ll be treating like we always do. Pre-seasons have got to be done.

“We want to remember our roots and I want to help some club’s out.  I don’t want to be travelling too far away and these games are good for us and also good for the guys who help us out over the season.”

Burman cannot wait for their Conference Premier campaign to get underway, saying,  “I’m very excited and very pleased with what’s going on at the moment and looking forward to the new challenge.”

UPDATE:  Due to a waterlogged pitch at VCD Athletic’s Oakwood ground, it has been decided a day before the game to switch the match to the 3G pitch at Dartford’s Princes Park Stadium.

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

VCD Athletic  v  Dartford
Pre-Season Friendly
Thursday 12th July 2012
Kick Off 7:45pm
at 3G Community Pitch, Princes Park Stadium, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT