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Next Dartford manager must be on board with club's long-term plan, says caretaker boss Tony Burman

Dartford’s new manager will have to buy into the club’s vision – rather than look for a short-term personal gain.

That’s the verdict of caretaker boss Tony Burman as the Darts step up their search for a new manager this week.

Tony Burman says Darts need stability Picture: Sean Aidan
Tony Burman says Darts need stability Picture: Sean Aidan

The club’s board, including Burman, met on Wednesday to draw up a shortlist.

There have already been some big name applicants but Burman doesn’t want someone who is going to jump ship at the first opportunity.

He stated: “There’s lots of managers on the list who have applied and you think what happens if a league club comes in for you? You’ll be gone in the next three months. You’re using us really so there’s that situation.

“At the same time there are plenty of applicants who are suitable in terms of their name, it’s what we talk about in the meeting with them.

“They’ve got to know this level and have the ambition to take the club up.

“The club here is a bit different, you can do the first team but you’ve got to have an interest in other things as well.

“Our aim is to go from two nights a week to four mornings. If things had been right for us a couple of years ago we would have done that but it wasn’t to be.

“They’ve got to be looking at the club as a whole and can they take the club forward. We’re in a situation as we need to change it (around), and change it fast.”

Burman is certain to be involved in the selection process but it won’t be his decision alone.

“I’m a director but there’s 10 of us,” he added. “We’ll make the decision about who sits on the panel to make that choice.

“We’re due to have a meeting on Wednesday and we’ll collate all the names of people who have applied for the job.

“We’ll go through them and make a shortlist. From that we’ll do the interviews.

“There’s a lot of good people who have applied for the job – and a lot of good names.

“They can be good names but if we can’t afford them, we can’t afford them. That’s what we have to weigh up.

“We have to make sure that they buy into what we do here. That’s not just myself, that’s the whole club.”

Burman also confirmed that Darts are open to managers who do not have a previous association with the club.

“We’ve got to get the right person who fits this club, whether he’s been involved in it or not to me is irrelevant,” he said.

“That’s not an issue. It’s about getting the right man for the club.”

Burman, who delayed joining up with his son’s stag do in Majorca until Saturday evening so he could take charge against Dorking Wanderers last weekend, will be in charge when Darts visit fifth-placed Concord on Saturday. Tom Bonner (groin) could return to the squad.

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