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National League South side Dartford are prepared for the play-offs and are meeting contract obligations themselves

Dartford Football Club say they are paying their staff in full and are prepared for the play-offs, if they come around.

A decision on how the National League finalise their season has yet to be announced, with outstanding fixtures cancelled.

Dartford co-chairman Steve Irving says the club are paying staff in full Picture: Andy Payton
Dartford co-chairman Steve Irving says the club are paying staff in full Picture: Andy Payton

The Darts are sixth placed in National League South and clubs could still vote for a sporting outcome rather than declaring the season null and void.

A recently held online board meeting discussed many issued, including the club’s financial commitments.

Co-chairman Steve Irving said: “We can confirm that the board has continued to press for a sporting outcome and to prepare for play-offs and promotion should the league decide to take that route.

“Clearly, whilst football is important to all of us at the club, the number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of supporters, staff and players alike. These are unprecedented days and we will respond flexibly to any decision the league takes.”

In relation to contracted players and non-playing staff, Mr Irving said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that one of the things that differentiates Dartford Football Club from some clubs is that we consider ourselves to be a family.

“When we celebrate success we celebrate together and we have a setback we support each other.

“There has been much talk of higher league clubs asking players to accept reductions in pay and other clubs further down the pyramid offering only the Government’s 80% guarantee to support furloughed players and staff.

“Dartford Football Club supports our family of staff and players. There are no lavish pay deals at our level and the relatively modest rewards our players and staff enjoy are crucial to supporting their families.

“The Board, therefore, had no hesitation in agreeing to meet the full pay of playing and non-playing staff in line with their contracts. We know this has been appreciated by members of the DFC playing and backroom staff and we are pleased to have made this decision.

“The extraordinary situation now facing our club, community and country could never have been anticipated but it does shine a spotlight once again on the wisdom of ensuring that DFC is well managed and lives within its means.

“Because of that approach to everything we do, I am able to say with confidence that the issues now facing the club relate not to survival, but to recovery. The decisions we face are not concerned with ‘if’ we play and compete next season but ‘how’ and ‘when’.”

More from the National League;

Void the season now says Stones boss

Fleet stuck in limbo as wait goes on

Angels boss McKimm is staying put

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