Bill Archer has stepped down as co-chairman of Dartford FC after more than seven years at the top of the club.

Poor health has forced Mr Archer to cut short what was already going to be his last season as co-chairman alongside Dave Skinner.

Mr Archer played an enormous role in bringing the club back to its hometown in 2006, negotiating with Dartford council about the building of Princes Park.

He served the club as a director for more than 13 years and became company chairman in 2007, when the Darts were playing in the eighth tier of English football.

Mr Archer leaves his position with the club in the Vanarama Conference and moving towards full-time football.

He said: "I told the board some time ago that this season would be my last as
co-chairman because I wanted to concentrate on getting myself back to full health and had to consider my family and friends.

"Few people appreciate how much work and stress is involved in keeping a club of this size running or how much the board do to sustain the business. They are all unsung heroes and I have had enormous support from them."

At a time when Tony Burman’s side find themselves in relegation trouble towards the foot of the Conference, their departing co-chairman put things into perspective.

Mr Archer said: "I can understand why some clubs settle for life in the lower leagues and why winning against lower opposition has its attractions for some fans but I’m proud that our club has been brave enough to knock on the door of higher leagues and not lose its sense of fair play, financial responsibility and its long-term commitment to our community.

"Long-time supporters will remember what dark days really look like and I can assure you that today’s ups and downs, competing just one step from the Football League, don’t come close!

Read the full story in the Dartford Messenger.