Dartford boss Tony Burman has axed six first-teamers as he bids to free up cash for new arrivals.

More players could still depart as negotiations over new deals only began this week.

Club captain Adam Flanagan, strikers Alan Tait, Rob Haworth and Jay May, Danny Dafter and Ryan Johnson have all been released after helping the club to the Ryman League, Premier Division title.

Burman said: "They were difficult decisions – it is not nice to be a manager at this time of year but we needed to free up some funds to go towards some targets that we’ve identified.

"We have got a few irons in the fire and we are talking to players but we still have to negotiate with our existing players."

Burman’s first capture was 25-year-old centre-back Paul Goodacre from Braintree.

One possible target could striker Frannie Collin, who has been released by the Dover.

Burman said: "Frannie is a good player and we are looking for good players to strengthen us in certain positions but we haven’t spoken to him."

The number leaving Princes Park could rise, if other players can’t agree to new deals.

Burman said talks with his squad had been delayed by up to a week due to players being stranded abroad by the international flight disruption.

They only began on Monday night but he was able to agree new deals with keeper Andy Young, Billy Burgess and Adam Gross. Lee Burns and Elliot Bradbrook signed on Tuesday.

Danny Harris, Ryan Hayes, Lee Noble, Adam Burchell and Carl Rook are the only other contracted players.