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Former Dartford boss Tony Burman's support invaluable, says new joint-manager Jamie Coyle

Jamie Coyle says he and Adam Flanagan would be stupid not to listen to former Dartford manager Tony Burman.

Darts have announced that Burman is staying on as managing director and head of the club's academy.

That suits new joint-bosses Coyle and Flanagan, who know him well from their own playing days at Princes Park.

Former Darts boss Tony Burman is happy to point new managers Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan in the right direction Picture: Andy Payton
Former Darts boss Tony Burman is happy to point new managers Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan in the right direction Picture: Andy Payton

They've been working closely behind the scenes, with Burman completing the paperwork on signings and supporting the managers in the appointment of a strength and conditioning coach and new physio team.

Coyle said: "Tony's been brilliant. We've got that relationship from when we played there and he's been really supportive.

"We'd be stupid not to use his experience and knowledge.

"He's been there and done it, he's been there a long time and obviously me and Adam have worked under him for a few years each.

"We understand his philosophies and the way he works. He has been a soundboard for us at times and it's been great.

"I think he's enjoying the fact we are communicating with him and working together as a team.

"Anything we've asked for, that's been a big change for the club, he's gone and got for us. I can't speak highly enough of him.

"To have someone like that around is only going to be a positive thing."

Dartford welcome Millwall to Princes Park for their first pre-season friendly on Saturday (12pm).

The Championship club will be at full strength – good news for Darts.

Coyle said: "I spoke to Neil (Harris, manager) and they're sending the full first team. They'll be really strong.

"There might be one or two under-23 players who've done well but they're sending their first team and so are Gillingham (July 17) and Colchester (July 21).

"That was a big thing for the club, that we make sure they aren't going to send their kids because you want the crowds in."

Dartford will mix up their side and are likely to hand chances to academy players Henry Fulton, Liam Gillies, Taylor Fisher and Ryan Saad after impressing at training.

Coyle said: "They've been brilliant. They've surprised me with the levels they've shown.

"When kids at that age come in to train they struggle to keep up at times with the tempo and the quality but they've done well.

"They'll get an opportunity in pre-season and we'll monitor their progression.

"Potentially, if they're not quite ready for the first team, we'll look to get them loaned out and get experience."
Dartford visit Aveley on Tuesday (7.45pm).

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