DARTFORD manager Tony Burman claims it will be a case of second time lucky for his side next year.

The Darts’ debut season in the Ryman Premiership saw the Princes Park club just miss out on the play-offs, but the boss is determined to put that right next time around.

He said: “The expectation at the club is high and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I feel we’ve got a chance to win the league. If it doesn’t happen, we will go via the play-offs but the aim is to get promoted.”

Burman also explained his surprise decision to release prolific scorer Brendon Cass this summer.

He added: “Players do come and go. In Brendon’s case he was fantastic for us for three years, he scored a hell of a lot of goals for us and he has played his part in getting the club where it is today.

“But you have to make some hard decisions when you are a manager and we moved up and moved forward and Brendon found things a little bit difficult last year.”

Burman has already signed Elliot Bradbrook from Maidstone and Allan Tait from Eastbourne Borough as he plots a promotion bid.

He explained: “Elliot Bradbrook was one of the better players in the Ryman Premier last year and is a good addition to our squad.

“Allan Tait is a striker, he is only 27 years of age and that is a good signing for us. His experience will help us.

“He is becoming down two divisions but he saw the facilities, he saw where we wanted to take the club and he is delighted he is signing for us.”

To see more of Tony Burman’s interview, click on the play button above.