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Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim dropped and told to recharge his batteries

Dartford boss Tony Burman has explained his decision to drop goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim.

Ibrahim has been the first-choice at Princes Park since 2015 but was replaced between the posts by new signing Berti Schotterl on Saturday.

After making 164 appearances for Darts, the Gibraltar keeper now faces a battle to win his place back at club level.

Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim Picture: Andy Payton

Burman said: "Deren has been in goal on his own for a long time and, in my opinion, he's had some situations over the last couple of months where he could have done better.

"I think he knows he could have done better.

"It's one of those. Do you continue for it to go on or do you try to put a stop to it, let Deren recharge his batteries and go again? That's what I've decided to do.

"Deren knew all about what I was deciding to do but it was a difficult situation.

"When a player knows he might not be performing to his best, I don't want to put him through any more pain.

"As of today, he starts to recharge the batteries and get things right and challenge for that spot again.

"I need him to have a fresh mind. What's happened has happened and I'll be 100% behind him, trying to get him back to the spot."

Schotterl made a winning debut as Dartford came from behind to beat Wealdstone 2-1.

Burman confirmed: "He's not on loan, he wasn't attached to another club. He's come recommended by the guys I know at Fulham.

"You either look for a goalkeeper now or you're looking on the third Thursday of the (next) month, deadline day.

"I've got one who's come in now and I've got some irons in the fire as well in case anything happens.

"Last year I signed Louis Wells to cover in the play-offs and that's what you have to do.

"At this moment in time, I'm speaking to Berti. He's come in to help us, we only got clearance late on Friday afternoon and we haven't seen loads of him but I had to do what I had to do on Saturday.

"Hopefully he comes good and makes it competitive for the No.1 jersey."

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