Burman sweats on new Bradbrook deal

Newly promoted Dartford boss Tony Burman is still confident that the Blue Square South play-off winners can keep hold of influential captain Elliot Bradbrook, even though the midfielder is yet to agree a new contract.

Bradbrook played a major part in the Darts’ play-off winning campaign making 44 appearances and scoring 19 goals in all competitions, and Burman is desperate to keep hold of the former Maidstone United player.

He told BBC Radio Kent: “The bottom line is I want Elliot Bradbrook to be with us next season. He's been excellent for us. I felt he was one of - if not the best - midfielder in the Conference South.”

Despite promotion to the Blue Square bet Premier, Dartford are going to remain a part-time club.

From a managerial point of view, Burman is fully aware that any deal would have to take into account the best interests of both the player in question and the club.

He added: “Both parties have got to be happy with what is being put on the table and being happy to be able to do the travelling in the Conference Premier.”

He continued: “I want Elliot to stay but it's a big ask of some players to do that with what we'll have to do next year. They have to have a kind boss.”

Meanwhile striker Jacob Erskine has also been offered a new contract and is expected to sign within the next few days.

However, Paul Goodacre, Richard Graham and Matt Jones have all been released as the Darts prepare for a first season in the fifth tier of English Football for 27 years.