Dartford manager Tony Burman is delighted to have brought former Ebbsfleet captain Paul Lorraine to Princes Park - having been thwarted in his previous attempts to sign the defender.

Lorraine, who left Ebbsfleet at the end of the season, joined the Darts on Saturday.

He brings huge experience to the Dartford defence and Burman, who tried to sign Lorraine last summer, revealed his pursuit of the former Woking player went back even further than that.

Burman said: "I’ve spoken to Paul at the end of the season for the last three years. I was close to signing him last year but the takeover at Ebbsfleet changed that. He was a very loyal servant to Ebbsfleet and he’s a player I’ve admired for a long time.

"He’s only 30 but it seems like he’s been around for a lot longer. He’s an excellent centre-half and I’m sure the experience he’s got will rub off on the other players. He’s a leader, and I’ve got a few of those.

"I’ve signed players who know how to win leagues. Whatever level that might be, they’ve been through that process. Paul comes with experience of winning things.

"He’s a good player to have around. It’s a new challenge for him and sometimes that’s what players need. He’s got to prove himself to a certain extent, and I’m sure he will."