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Tom Bonner says his return to Dartford feels like a homecoming three years after leaving to join Cambridge United

12:00, 01 June 2016

updated: 12:00, 01 June 2016

Returning to Dartford feels like a homecoming for Tom Bonner.

The defender is leaving Ebbsfleet United this summer to go back to the club where he spent three happy years before going full-time with Cambridge United.

Bonner was a regular in the Fleet side last season and he captained them for most of the campaign but after a post-season meeting with manager Daryl McMahon, he felt it was time for a change.

Tom Bonner pictured during his first spell at Dartford Picture: Andy Payton
Tom Bonner pictured during his first spell at Dartford Picture: Andy Payton

He said: "I had options and I decided it would be best to move on. Dartford was the best option for me.

"I had a chat with Ebbsfleet and after the meeting I decided I wanted to get all my options together. I had three of the best years at Dartford and once I met with Tony Burman, it was the only place I wanted to go.

"It was on me to sort my options out. I rang Tony Burman and there's not many managers I would ring. You normally wait for the call and see who's interested but I actually rang Burman to see what was happening, if there was anything we could do.

"He wasn’t expecting my call and when I went to meet him, I don’t think he was expecting me to sign either – but I did.

"It was done within two days. I spoke to five clubs, I had other offers on the table but it does feel like I’m coming home. I feel like there’s definitely unfinished business and where the club are now, compared to when I left, it’s something I want to put right."

Bonner started 36 league games last season as Ebbsfleet finished runners-up in National South before losing to Maidstone in the play-off final.

On his departure he said: "It's a long story. I don't want to go into the ins and outs of it.

"I had a good time at Ebbsfleet. I wish the club all the success but I do feel like there’s a bit of unfinished business (at Dartford).

"When I left Dartford, we were seventh in Conference Prem and when I look at where they are now, I’m not happy with it. I want to at least get them back to where they were when I left."

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