Tony Burman says pre-season planning has been "slow and frustrating" so far as key transfer targets decide on their futures.

The Dartford boss (pictured) included several trialists in the 1-0 home defeat against Gillingham at sunny Princes Park last Saturday but says patience is the key as Dartford countdown to their Blue Square Bet Premier campaign opener at home to Tamworth, in just over two weeks’ time.

He said: "We are still talking to players and hoping we can get some deals done. It has been slow and frustrating.

"We have been speaking to people who I never even dreamt we could be in for. They are considering whether to stay full-time but then if they don’t get anywhere, might switch."

Former Gillingham defender Tony Sinclair played the first 45 minutes against his old club and Burman added: "Tony has been training with us all pre-season, he is considering part-time football."

Burman has retained 13 of the squad that won promotion last season, while striker Jacob Erskine is one of nine players who have signed new contracts.

Ryan Hayes, Erskine and Lee Noble netted as Dartford beat a West Ham Xl 3-0 at Princes Park on Tuesday night. They are at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday.