Football Season Guide

Dartford were the definite surprise package of the season last season when they constantly defied the odds against bigger and better teams and though sheer hard work and fiercely disciplined displays, they managed to secure an eighth place in the table. It was a great achievement for a team that boasted a small squad and little experience in this level but Tony Burman made them adjust to life in the Conference Premier very quickly and they have become a true force to be reckoned with by the end. The momentum from last season is a great thing to have at the start of the upcoming one but Burman will also be very wary of the second-season syndrome and the fact that teams will be taking the Darts seriously now and doing their best to nullify their strengths. Inevitably, the team lost some of its better players during the summer as both Tom Bonner and Tom Champion, the duo that secured strength and stability in defence and midfield, departed to Cambridge. Good and reliable players like Richard Rose and Mark Arber left the club as well but Burman also did good business to sign experienced keeper Alan Julian and Chelmsford duo Max Cornhill and Kenny Clark. Adam Birchall will be the lead striker after signing on loan from Gillingham and he is a forward with good qualities and pedigree and only needs to stay fit. Matt Fry is an interesting capture in defence as he looks to rebuild his career having been on the books of West Ham before. The question marks are prevailing over the current team at the moment but if they maintain their strong team spirit, they should do well enough to stay in mid-table and clear of danger.