We have to work hard to prove we're title favourites, says Burman
Monday 27th July 2009
A CROWD of over 2,500 will welcome Dave Martin back to Dartford on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Darts welcome their third League One opponents to Princes Park this summer, when Kenny Jackett brings his Millwall first team squad to Princes Park.
It’s a chance for the Darts faithful to welcome back Martin, a local boy that has done good.
“I’m delighted that he’s coming back,” Darts boss Tony Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening.
“It’s just fantastic to see some one whose come out of non-league football and doing well in the professional game.
“It’s a credit to him and it’s also something for some of the young players to follow.”
Looking forward to the game itself, Burman added, “We’re not obviously expected to win the game and that’s not the idea really, although it would be nice.
“It’s another chance to improve our fitness levels and that’s what we’ll get from the game.”
Dartford returned from Ryman League Division One North side Witham Town with a 3-0 win at the weekend, courtesy of goals from Elliott Bradbrook and a brace from Adam Birchell.
“We went over there because Cody McDonald (who we sold to Norwich City last February) played for them and I had a little agreement with their chairman,” said Burman.
“We were delighted to go over there and we’ve had another good game. Some people got some minutes in, obviously the interruption of the Welling game interrupted the pre-season planning but nevertheless players have got their minutes in and it was a good game.”
According to bookmakers Bet365, Dartford are favourites to clinch the Ryman Premier League title next April.
“Well, if that’s right then it’s a compliment,” replied Burman. “But you have to go out and do things. I’ve made it clear that our aim is to try and get promoted this year and we’ll do our best to do that.
“But if you don’t put any work in, or you don’t want to work hard, these things won’t happen. The season is a long season and we’ll do our best come what April to be there or there abouts.”
Burman says his summer signing from Eastbourne Borough, striker Allan Tait could be fit for Saturday’s trip to Cambridge City; whilst Lee Noble and Jay May (groin) are also ruled out against the Lions.
“All the injuries have given people a chance,” said Burman. “It’s part and parcel of what happens when players start feeling knocks and strains but we’ll get there and by the start of the season we’ll have a fully fit squad, which is looking very, very strong.”
The Dartford boss is delighted with the response from both sets of supporters and when asked how many tickets have already been sold, co-chairman Dave Skinner, at 5:30pm today, said that over 2,500 tickets have been snapped up.
“I know there’s been a big surge, a big rush over the weekend and today and I know before the weekend there was over 2,000, getting on for 2,500,” said Burman.
“If we get over 3,000 for the game then there’s a lot more Millwall supporters than I thought was in the Dartford area.”
He added: “Fair play to Kenny Jackett. After the deal with their reserves playing at Princes Park, he said he wanted to bring a first team squad and it’s very much likely he will do that.”
Millwall will certainly be impressed with the facilities on offer at Princes Park.
“Gillingham were very complimentary,” said Burman. “Mark Stimson (the Gillingham manager) was absolutely delighted with the playing surface and the ground and that was his first time there.
“Once these professional clubs visit the ground they won’t be worried about playing there. The pitch is excellent at the moment.”
Tickets can be purchased from the reception area in normal business hours tomorrow - and then from the club shop. They cannot be purchased at the turnstiles.
£10 (adults)
£5 (over 60s and 12-17)
£1 (under 11s)
www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be providing LIVE COVERAGE of this game.
Visit Dartford’s websites: www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk
Dartford v Millwall
Pre-Season Friendly
Tuesday 28th July 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT