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Tony Burman considering his position as Dartford FC manager

Tony Burman is considering his position as Dartford manager following their play-off defeat at home to Braintree.

Darts lost in the National South semi-finals for the second season after missing out on the league title on goal-difference.

Burman has been in charge since 2005 but hinted after the game he could stand down this summer.

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Tony Burman on the touchline during Sunday's play-off defeat Picture: Steve Crispe
Tony Burman on the touchline during Sunday's play-off defeat Picture: Steve Crispe

He said: "I question my own role at the end of every season and then we make decisions, whether you carry on or you go somewhere else.

"It's the same with the players. They carry on or they go somewhere else.

"You have to do that. It's become difficult because I've been here a long time and I've enjoyed myself. It's been good and I'm proud to have been part of what's happened.

"But you have to look at yourself and see if you could have done better and see what the next step is - whether it's here or not."

Burman feels criticism from the terraces has intensified this season.

He said: "I'm in a job where the expectation has grown and I've been part of that growth.

"You know what you need to try to do but I just wish people would sometimes think before they say things and try to look at what's happened.

"It is difficult because you get so much good support but you get a lot of people who will probably be having their opinions as we speak.

"I'm not saying they can't have an opinion but all I've asked is that it's done respectfully and don't cross the line with criticism, getting personal.

"I think that side of things has changed."

Billy Crook's goal, 18 minutes from time, sent Braintree through to face Hampton & Richmond in the play-off final.

Dartford had won their previous nine games but now face a fourth season in National League South.

Burman said: "I'm gutted, absolutely devastated but that's football. It happens.

"When the players have given their all and they haven't won something, it's difficult.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow.

"Being a little bit old school... the play-offs are great, the interest is there and you know the rules but the top two should go up.

"It's the fact we finished on the same points (as champions Havant).

"You can look at it and say where we could have done something but I'll look at that in the next few days."

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