We'll give players a fair crack of the whip to build up their fitness, says Sawyer

Friday 09th July 2010

DARTFORD assistant manager Paul Sawyer says it will be a miracle for his side to beat Npower League One side Dagenham & Redbridge at Princes Park tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Darts are preparing for their inaugural Blue Square Bet South campaign and go into their opening warm-up game on the back of four training sessions.

“We’ve had the four sessions, the lads have worked hard and we’ve integrated the new lads into the existing squad so it’s all going well, thanks,” Sawyer told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

The Darts will also welcome Gillingham (13 July), Southend United (16 July), Millwall (27 July) and Leyton Orient (3 August) in what are lucrative friendlies.

“Since we’ve moved into Princes Park, we’ve had the luxury when teams want to play us, which is nice,” said Sawyer.

“We had Norwich last year, Tottenham in the past, Crystal Palace, so we’re spoilt for choice again, so we’ve got five pro teams coming down to Princes Park.”

Playing professional sides is good for building up match fitness - and boosting the coffers.

“It’s purely just to get the lads back on the pitch and work on their timing,” added Sawyer. “It’s a journey just to get their match fitness back. You can train as much as you want and run people round parks but there’s nothing like playing a game.

“We’re not looking for miracles tomorrow. We just want people to work hard and gradually get their match fitness back.”

Boss Tony Burman has made a whole host of signings this summer and Sawyer says the new boys have fitted in well.

“We’ve been impressed with what we’ve seen over the last week in training and it will be nice to see them on the pitch and integrate them with last season’s lads.”

Andy Hessenthaler - who enjoyed three highly successful seasons with arch rivals Dover Athletic - brings a strong Gillingham side to Princes Park next Tuesday.

And Sawyer said: “We’ve known Andy for years. I remember when we played in the Kent Youth team aged 17-18 and he’s always been a great competitor. He’s always wanted to be a success and play and manage at the highest level.

“There was no great surprise when he went to Gillingham, as he was doing well at Dover. I think that’s what he’s always wanted. Good luck to him, he deserves it. No-one works harder at his game or whatever he does. He puts in 100% so good luck to him.

“We’ve had the Gills for the last two years. Gillingham have said they will bring a strong team down so that will be a test.

“We’ll get everyone out on the pitch this week and make sure they’ll get a fair crack of the whip and build their fitness up.”

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

Dartford v Dagenham & Redbridge

Pre-Season Friendly

Saturday 10th July 2010

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT