Dartford manager Tony Burman has reiterated his stance on players’ wages and will not cave in to money-grabbers who attempt to hold the club to ransom.

Despite the Darts offering superior facilities at their Princes Park stadium with the added bonus of four-figure attendances, Burman confessed to being horrified by the demands still being made by players, despite the recession.

The manager and the club directors have earmarked May 2 to discuss next season’s budgets but already the message from Princes Park is that the Darts intend to live strictly within its means.

"We offer well above average facilities and big crowds to any player wanting to join this football club," said Burman. "But I’ve been appalled and horrified by demands made by certain individuals we’ve enquired about.

"When they start talking telephone numbers, I walk away. There are a lot of players out there who need to take a reality check because times are tough for everyone and that includes all football clubs.

"After our Player of the Year presentations on May 1, we will sit down and discuss a budget that we will keep to. Make no mistake about that.

"There will be players leaving and I will be looking to bring some in."

He added: "It’s a personal opinion but I believe there are a number of clubs who are teetering on the brink and come the end of the season we could see some surprise casualties.

"Clubs will not want to risk points deductions by going out of business now, though some directors might think differently come the end of the season."

Dartford entertain relegated Ramsgate on Saturday still possessing an outside chance of reaching the Ryman League Premier Division play-offs.

The Darts trail fifth-placed Carshalton by seven points and have three games left to play.

"It’s only an outside chance because it’s out of our hands as we need a number of results to go in our favour," Burman added.

"Six weeks ago I felt we had an excellent chance of making the play-offs, so I’m disappointed we’ve been unable to cement our position in the top five.

"Now the ambition of everyone at the club is to finish as high as possible with as many points on the board."

Burman could name an unchanged side for the first time in three months against Ramsgate with no fresh injury concerns following the Easter weekend.