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Dartford manager Tony Burman looking forward to mixing with big boys of non-league football in televised clash

07:00, 12 July 2012

Tony Burman
Tony Burman

Dartford's first season in Conference Premier will include a live televised game against former Football League side Mansfield.

If manager Tony Burman needed a reminder of how far he's taken the club in the past few years, he got it when the Conference announced their home clash with the Stags will be shown live on Premier Sports on Friday, October 26.

"There'll be a few haircuts before that game and we'll have to get the beauticians in!" joked Burman (pictured).

"We're up against all these big clubs like Luton and Grimsby and then you find out you're going to be on telly and it just adds to the buzz of being in this league.

"A few years ago we were in Ryman League Division 1 North and all of a sudden we've got to change a game from Saturday to Friday to accommodate the TV cameras!"

Darts will be one of a handful of part-time clubs in the Blue Square Bet Premier next season. And Burman is looking forward to the personal challenge of taking on all the big boys.

He said: "I'm as excited to be managing in this league as the players are to be playing in it. I'm delighted to have the chance to pit my wits against the top managers in non-league football.

"We're stepping up but we're not just here to make up the numbers.

"We know we're facing a tough test but I do believe that one season something will happen and a part-time club will be up there challenging.

"Football is changing and people are watching the pennies, and that could open the door."

Who are you most looking forward to seeing Dartford take on this season? Have your say below.

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