Dartford have signed defender Rory McAuley from Cambridge United.

McAuley played 18 times on loan for the Darts last season and looked assured at the heart of their defence in the midst of a relegation battle.

His return to Princes Park comes as a huge boost for Dartford manager Tony Burman, whose side will play Conference Premier football again in 2014-15 after being reprieved from relegation.

McAuley was transfer-listed by Cambridge following their promotion to League 2.

Burman said: "I am delighted to welcome Rory back to the club after a successful loan spell.

"Talks have been ongoing throughout the summer and once we received our reprieve, it gave me a better chance of signing Rory for next season.

"I feel I have a top-class defender, who is still only 25 and will improve the squad for the forthcoming campaign."