Dartford FC complete shortlist to succeed Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan
Published: 06:00, 03 October 2019
Dartford will start interviewing for a new manager after this weekend's FA Cup tie.
The board have drawn up their shortlist to succeed Jamie Coyle and Adam Flanagan, who resigned after losing at Tonbridge last month.
Tony Burman remains in caretaker charge for Saturday's third qualifying round tie at Blackfield & Langley but it could be his last game.
He said: "I'm definitely in charge on Saturday - we are starting to interview potential managers after that game.
"We're going through a process and we've just got to make sure we feel we have the best guy for the job when it happens.
"We've got our shortlist now.
"Circumstances beyond our control, with people being away, have held up the process but it's important we make the right decision.
"If it works out that we haven't selected someone then I'll still be in charge for the following game.
"The main thing is we get it right.
"All the managers are good candidates.
"They're going to know what they want and we've got to say what we want."
Burman has enjoyed taking the reins while Dartford search for a new boss.
He's won two and lost two of his four matches since renewing his partnership with old assistant manager Paul Sawyer and his praised the players for their efforts.
Burman said: "In all fairness, me and Paul have liked it. It's given us a little buzz again, which is great.
"We obviously don't like losing, and we have lost a couple, but the atmosphere is a little bit better round the place at the moment and all credit to the players.
"They've shown me and Paul the utmost respect and have listened to what we've said."
Burman has scouted cup opponents Blackfield & Langley, who are based near Southampton.
They're 10th in the Southern League Premier South Division, the level below Dartford, but are dangerous opponents.
Burman said: "We must never take anything for granted
"I've been to see them and they're not a bad outfit at all.
"These are tough games and testing times for us but the players were excellent in the previous round at Horsham and we'll try to prepare for Saturday's game in the same way."
Dartford will be without Alex Flisher, who has quit for Isthmian South East club Hythe.
He links up with ex-Darts boss Coyle, who has signed on as a player at Reachfields.
But Lee Noble returns from suspension and Luke Allen is available while Burman says there's a chance Jordan Wynter could be back from a knee injury.
In the event of a draw, the replay will take place at Princes Park on Tuesday.
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Craig Tucker