Tony Burman believes he can turn Dartford’s season around – but knows their run of eight defeats in nine games means he is in for more criticism.

The Darts reach the halfway stage of the Skrill Premier season this weekend with just 18 points to their name and they were knocked out of the FA Trophy at Forest Green on Tuesday night.

Some fans have called for Burman’s head, but the club’s longest-serving manager isn’t about to walk away.

"I’ve got belief in myself," he said. "The main thing is this football club.

"People will say what they have to say. If they wish to continue saying that, it’s up to them. I think all that energy should probably go into getting behind the guys.

"They’re right to have a go at the manager. It speaks for itself when you’ve lost six or seven games on the trot. You have to accept that criticism. We’re in a job where everyone knows better than the manager. That’s how it is."

Burman refuted the claim by some that he’s taken Dartford as far as he can.

He said: "There are big ambitions for the club. We’re working hard behind the scenes, which we have done since we’ve been here, and many people don’t acknowledge that and don’t know that."

Dartford travel to Barnet on Saturday without defender Mat Mitchel-King, who has broken his hand, but midfielder Lee Noble is back after suspension.

Goalkeeper Alan Julian (groin) and on-loan striker Matty Godden (calf) are approaching full fitness and should both be in the squad.