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Dartford boss Steve King remains in the hunt for signings and says new faces can rejuvenate his squad

Manager Steve King will bring in more new faces this week - but has insisted it’s not a revolving-door policy at Dartford.

The Darts boss has drafted in loan duo Kory Roberts and Marcus Dinanga from National League Bromley and Altrincham in the past week.

Jake Robinson scores Dartford's winner against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night Picture: Dave Budden
Jake Robinson scores Dartford's winner against Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night Picture: Dave Budden

And he still wants as many as three new faces to give his promotion-chasing squad extra impetus as they look to make up ground on National League South leaders Dorking Wanderers.

“The reason why you bring some players in is because you look at the team and think it’s below par, the team needs lifting,” explained King.

“When the team sees these good players come in, it just gives them a lift. Some players haven’t done it for me so they have to move on and we have to try and get some better players. That’s what I do, I always keep my eye out.

“That’s why the club have told me to go and get players, and do what I need to do. If I can get better players with good characters then I will.

“It’s not about a revolving door, it’s not like that. I’ve given people half a season and sometimes you have to make changes for the better.

“I will help the team by making good changes that they’ll appreciate and get better players.”

King was keeping his cards close to his chest but hopes to add another signing this week while all three targets have experience at National League South level or above.

Dinanga has previously featured for the likes of Hartlepool, Stevenage and AFC Telford although he joins on loan from Altrincham having started his career at Burton.

He made his debut in the 1-0 derby win over Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night and did an excellent job for his team in an unfamiliar role.

King explained: “Marcus is a good player and you’ll see more from him as the season unfolds. He had to do a different job, he is normally a centre-forward who scores goals.

“When you look at his record, he has moved clubs for a lot of money already. He’s got another year at Altrincham but we’ve got him here until the end of the season. I know what he’ll bring to the team, he did a good job for us and put a shift in.

“I’m pleased with the two signings. I’ve got another forward coming and there will be two more after that as we need to strengthen at the back, we still need cover.”

Steve King's Dartford are trying to reel in National South leaders Dorking. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Steve King's Dartford are trying to reel in National South leaders Dorking. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Dartford are up to third after back-to-back derby victories in the past week and they’ll look to complete the hat-trick at home to Welling this Saturday before a midweek trip to Havant on Wednesday.

King will warn his squad against being complacent for the visit of Peter Taylor’s Wings, who have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding relegation. Darts won the reverse fixture 6-0, with Taylor taking charge shortly after.

“It’s going to be another tough game, another derby,” King noted. “Peter Taylor is a great guy, I love Peter Taylor and get on really well with him. He’s got 18 points since he’s gone in there and they were on four when he arrived.

“We’re expecting a tough game, they only just lost to Oxford City last weekend and they’ve beaten Dulwich. We’ve got to repeat the performance from Ebbsfleet on Tuesday night, and keep it going.”

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