DARTFORD'S assistant manager Paul Sawyer says the three trialists who have joined the squad for pre-season training will be given plenty of opportunities to prove they have something to offer the Princes Park side.

The players returned from their summer break on Monday to begin their build-up to life in the Ryman Premier Division after last year's championship success.

It was been a busy close season at the club with several players moving on and five coming in, but assistant manager Sawyer has revealed there could be more to come if the trialists impress in the coming weeks.

He said: "They will definitely play in the pre-season games and if we see something which we believe will benefit the squad, the chances are we will take them on.

"It is a two-way thing because they have other options as well and are using the trials as a chance to see what we can offer them."

Sawyer was also impressed by the fitness levels of the squad upon their return and praised the players for keeping themselves in shape during the close season.

He said: "They were fit already when they came back last year and it doesn't really come as any great shock because most of them are members of gyms.

"Players these days know how important it is to look after themselves but they deserve a lot of credit nonetheless.

"We weighed them at the end of last season and again on Monday and there were no real surprises."

Sawyer has been left in charge of the squad for a fortnight as manager Tony Burman went on a two-week holiday on Tuesday and he will oversee next week's games against Charlton and Crystal Palace.

The assistant boss is looking forward to pitting his wits against the Championship duo and says the players can't wait either.

He explained: "The first couple of games are always very difficult for any player because they haven't seen any action for a couple of months.

"Pre-season games are there for a reason and it is to give players some match practice and this is the main priority.

"However, there is no doubt everyone is really looking forward to rubbing shoulders with experienced professionals because it isn't every day you get to play the likes of Charlton and Crystal Palace.

"We played Palace and Spurs last year and everyone really enjoyed it."

Sawyer also confirmed a deal has yet to be reached with Bromley over Jay May's switch to Hayes Lane, but remained hopeful the matter will be resolved before it reaches a tribunal.

"Tony was on the phone to Bromley right up until Tuesday morning before he went away and he told me he is confident an agreement can still be reached," added Sawyer.