Dartford boss Tony Burman has hailed the arrival of two new defenders and says they could figure together for years to come.

Paul Goodacre, 25, has joined from Braintree, having started last season at Bishop’s Stortford, while Tom Champion, 24, has also joined from the Essex side.

The duo, who formed the Braintree central defensive pairing for much of last season, join three other former Cressing Road players – Billy Burgess, Lee Burns and Michael Shinn – on Dartford’s books.

Burman (pictured) said: "Paul and Tom both have experience in Conference South over the past few years.

"They have been regulars at Bishop’s Stortford and Braintree and are both a good age. They could be here for years to come."

"I’m pleased to have added both of them in the squad. With Adam Flanagan not here next year, it was important to make signings. You can’t get away with four defenders for a season."

Andrew Young, Burgess, Adam Gross, Burns, Elliot Bradbrook, James White, Deren Ibrahim and Danny Crouch have all re-signed for next season.

Lee Noble, Ryan Hayes, Danny Harris, Carl Rook and Adam Burchell remain under contract.

Two others, defenders Jamie Coyle and John Beales have yet to commit for the new campaign.