New signing Carl Rook can fire Dartford across the Ryman League Premier Division finishing line, according to boss Tony Burman.

The Tonbridge hitman arrived at Princes Park this week for an undisclosed fee on a contract until the end of the 2010/11 season.

"It all happened very quickly," said Burman. "We got the call from Tonbridge on Sunday and it was all sorted by the end of Monday.

"He was someone who was on our wanted list for the summer but the opportunity arose to bring things forward by a few months. It moved quickly from there, with the backing of the directors.

"It is another quality player to add to the squad. He wanted to come and it will be a new challenge for him.

"We spoke to Tonbridge at the start of the season but we could not agree anything. I had tried to sign him when he left Dover and when he left Hastings. I have finally got my man."

Rook spent much of pre-season on trial at League 1 Brighton but they opted against signing him.

Instead, Burman moved to snap up the striker, who still had 18 months left on his deal at Longmead.

Burman added: "The deal has been done in the best possible way for the club. I would not do anything to put the future of the club in any kind of jeopardy.

Burman admitted he had sympathy for Tonbridge’s plight as they bid to reduce their outgoings.

He said: "It is obviously disappointing for Tonbridge but people have to remember Dartford have come a long way in the past 15 years. We have been there, scrapping around for shillings to bring people in."