Dartford manager Alan Dowson has agreed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 52-year-old led the Darts to second place in National League South but their promotion dreams were ended after losing on penalties to St Albans in the play-off semi-final earlier this month.

But Dartford’s board of directors have been impressed with Dowson’s work at Princes Park and how he has embraced all aspects of the club.

“Dartford is a great club, it’s unbelievably well run,” said Dowson. “I love the chairman, Steve Irving, and think the world of him.

“We’ve got to keep building the club, which I think we will do. We’ve got to keep the academy players coming through that I think we’ll do, we’ll keep an eye on the women’s team, the under-19s and all the things I’m trying to do anyway.”

Dowson joined Dartford 12 months ago following the departure of Steve King, who went on to lead Gloucester to the National League North play-offs. Former Woking and Hampton boss Dowson initially agreed a two-year deal but that’s now been extended.

There was uncertainty over Dowson’s future after his post-match comments following the St Albans defeat.

But the Darts manager is ready to take on the challenge of aiming for promotion again next season.

“I say stupid things at times because I want everybody to hurt as much as me,” said Dowson.

“It was a knee-jerk reaction by me, I say daft things at daft times.”

A statement released by Dartford’s board of directors said: “The club is delighted to announce that a new two-year contract has been agreed with our manager, Alan Dowson.

“We feel it is due recognition for the outstanding work that Dowse put in to his first season with us. Not only in finishing in second place (our highest end of season position in five years) but the work he has done throughout the club, at all levels, to ensure that we are all pulling together, with the ultimate aim of promotion to the National League, which, let no one be unclear, is where the club wants to be.

“I’m sure that you will join us in wishing Dowse the best of luck for next season.”