Darford boss Tony Burman gives squad 10-point target

Burman's side initially found the Blue Square Bet South hard going last term

Dartford manager Tony Burman has challenged his side to take at least 10 points from their first six games.

The Darts finished 10th in the Blue Square Bet South and start this term with six games in 16 days, beginning at Weston-super-Mare on 13 August.

Burman told BBC Radio Kent: "If you came out of those with 18 points in two weeks you'd be delighted.

"Realistically you want to get into double figures and that would be a good start to the season."

Having retained a large part of their squad, and added new faces in Adam Green, Richard Graham and John Wallace, Burman is targeting a higher placing this year.

"We're aiming for the play-offs. Every manager wants to win the league at the stage of the season. But reality kicks in and it's a long way to go until the end of April.

"The aim is that in March, we're in amongst that lot who are trying to get in the play-offs."

Dartford's pre-season has been hampered by injuries to Charlie Sheringham and Jack Pallen but the duo returned to training this week and Burman is confident his squad will be fully prepared come their opener.

"We'll be ready. We know what we're going to do. The signs are there and pre-season is on schedule at the minute," he added.