Dartford boss Tony Burman praised the loyalty of the club’s supporters after clinching a second championship in three years.

The Darts were promoted to Blue Square South after a 6-2 win at Kingstonian and Burman knows just how far they have come since their groundsharing days at the likes of Purfleet and Gravesend.

A former player, now manager and director of the club, Burman took charge of team affairs again in 2004 on a temporary basis and has stayed in charge ever since.

He said: "I was in charge before but had to give up because of work commitments and then came back.

"We were ground-sharing with Gravesend and have come through some seriously hard times, having to rob Peter to pay Paul.

"We were supported by 200 and 300 people who dipped into their own pockets to help save the club and can be be proud of what they did.

"We are back in the Conference ahead of schedule, there is no pressure on us and we just want to continue making steady progress."

Burman also praised his players, who have led the Ryman League Premier Division all season.

"We partied until late into the night and everyone is delighted to have rounded things off in the way we did," he added.

"The players had the bit between their teeth and wanted three points – we didn’t go there for only one.

"They have been fantastic since day one and deserve all the credit for what they have achieved."

Dartford will receive the Premier Division trophy from league chairman Alan Turvey after their final home game of the season against Aveley on Saturday.

• Are you a Dartford fan? What do you think of your side's achievements this season?