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Dartford defender Tom Bonner says he has unfinished business after rejoining the club from Ebbsfleet United

Tom Bonner is determined to help Dartford reclaim their place back among non-league football’s elite.

Bonner was part of the Darts side which finished the 2012/13 campaign eighth in Conference Premier, ranking them the best part-time team in England.

But the centre-half, who left to join Cambridge United at the end of that season, returns to Princes Park with Dartford preparing for their second season back in the South division.

Tom Bonner pictured during his first spell at Dartford Picture: Andy Payton
Tom Bonner pictured during his first spell at Dartford Picture: Andy Payton

Bonner said: "I do feel like there’s a bit of unfinished business at Dartford.

"When I look at where they are now, I’m not happy with it. I want to at least get them back to where they were when I left.

"The club’s got massive potential. They’ve got the facilities and they’re well supported.

"When I left, they were on the verge of something really big and I want to get them back to that.

"I spoke to five clubs, I had other offers but it does feel like I’m coming home.”

Dartford were the first club Bonner thought of when he decided not to sign a new deal at Ebbsfleet.

Tom Bonner playing for Ebbsfleet against Dartford last season Picture: Ruth Cuerden
Tom Bonner playing for Ebbsfleet against Dartford last season Picture: Ruth Cuerden

He said: "I rang Tony Burman and there’s not many managers I would ring. You normally wait for the call and see who’s interested but I rang Burman to see what was happening, if there was anything we could do.

"Wherever I’ve been, through ups and downs, Tony Burman’s always been there. We’ve kept in contact, he’s always looking out for me and I’ve always looked out for Dartford’s results.

"It will be good to go back working with him. We’ve got a good relationship, we always speak and that means a lot.

"He wasn’t expecting my call and when I went to meet him, I don’t think he was expecting me to sign either – but I did.

"It was done within two days. I had a chat with Ebbsfleet and after the meeting I decided I wanted to get all my options together.

"I had three of the best years at Dartford and once I met with Tony Burman, it was the only place I wanted to go."

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