Tom Gardiner says he will bring a touch of culture to Dartford’s defence this season.

The former Tottenham youth player last week became the Darts’ fifth summer signing, having finished last season at Cambridge City.

Gardiner will be part of a new-look defensive unit which also features new recruits Callum McNaughton and Danny Fitzsimons, as well as the experienced Lee Burns and academy graduate Ronnie Vint.

He said: "I’m competitive and a winner. As a defender, I read the game, I anticipate it, I’m aggressive and win my tackles.

"I’ll bring composure and I’ll play out from that back but you can’t always do that so I’m not afraid to play it forward, too.

"I’ll bring a bit of quality on the ball and I’m known as one of the best blockers.

"I’m expecting a tough season because there are some good clubs in this league.

"I’m expecting a test but we’ll do everything we can to be successful. I’m looking forward to it."

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.