Manager Tony Burman hopes the return of Tom Bonner will help persuade other players to sign for Dartford this summer.

Bonner’s surprise switch from Ebbsfleet has energised Darts fans ahead of the new National League South campaign.

And it’s a transfer likely to catch the eye of Burman’s other targets with the start of pre-season now just three weeks away.

Burman said: "When you talk to players, you give them some of the plans and some of the players you’re after.

"We’ve spoken to players who I think are decent but you have to be patient. As much as you want to get the majority of the squad ready before pre-season, you have to be careful and patient and sometimes you might have to wait.

"I’ve been waiting on one or two other players who are decent, who will improve the squad. It’s difficult at times but there’s a long way to go before the first game of the season.

"I’m pleased with the squad we’re putting together and with maybe three other players, who we’re talking to, I’m hoping they might see that we’ve signed Tom and give us the thumbs-up in the coming weeks."

Bonner’s decision to quit Fleet and approach the Darts about a potential return spoke volumes about his relationship with Burman and fondness for the club.

Burman said: "We’ve kept in touch. He wanted to talk so I said ‘let’s do it’ and after a couple of discussions, he decided that’s what he wanted to do.

"I’m pleased we’ve still got the draw to pull that calibre of player in.

"People leave the club but there’s no bad feelings hopefully.

"Tom went on to League football and he’s had some decent moves over the last three
years.

"For us to get someone like Tom at 28, he comes back more experienced and knows what we want from all the players.

"He was captain of Ebbsfleet, he’s a leader and I want that to rub off on all the players. He’s a popular signing."

Read the full story in the Dartford Messenger.