I’VE LANDED MY BUR-FECT MOVE
Bonner phones boss to set up Dartford switch
TOM BONNER was so desperate to pull on a Dartford shirt again he was the one who called manager Tony Burman to get the ball rolling!
The 28-year-old defender was released by Kent rivals Ebbsfleet United last week and automatically knew where he wanted to play his football.
Bonner was a big favourite with the fans at Princes Park before leaving for his chance in the pro game when Richard Money came calling in the summer of 2013 and he signed for Cambridge United.
He says it feels like coming home and despite talking to five other clubs he said he knew Dartford was the place he had to be.
Bonner, who won promotion to the Football League with Cambridge in his first season at the Abbey Stadium, played 36 National League South games for the Fleet last term but they couldn’t clinch promotion.
He said: “There’s not too many managers I would ring and ask if I could sign, but Tony is one of them – it’s normally a case of waiting to see who calls you, but I knew I needed to talk to Dartford.
“He wasn’t expecting me to phone but I wanted to see what was happening and if there was anything we could sort out.
Memories
“I had some fantastic times at the club, the best I have had. The place feels like home and I’m so pleased we’ve managed to do something. I had some other offers on the table but Dartford holds great memories for me. Let’s see if we can get back up.”
The Kent club will continue to train two evenings a week next season as boss Burman says the challenges of getting his team together for at least one morning session ultimately wasn’t feasible.
The manager is thrilled with the return of Bonner but says there are more new arrivals to come – with his main target a goal-getting centre forward.
The club scored only 58 times in the league last season and addressing their lack of firepower is the next main aim.
“We do need another striker,” Burman said. “I’ve spoken to a few but they’re speaking with others clubs as well so we’ll see what develops.
“We want to push on the best we can next season and hopefully we can be in contention for promotion.”