Dartford manager Alan Dowson hits back at ‘unfair’ criticism and thanks club’s board for their public backing

Dartford manager Alan Dowson believes criticism of his team has been too excessive in some quarters.

The Darts have made a slow start in National League South and were once again knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle.

Serial promotion winner Dowson turned their fortunes around last season to guide Dartford to second place behind runaway champions Ebbsfleet and could be forgiven for thinking he deserves more respect.

“I feel that one minute I’ve got the club to second in the league, I’ve got the club together as it went a bit pear-shaped community-wise,” said Dowson.

“And then after six or seven games they wanted me out, it’s a bit unfair to be honest.

“The board were supportive, which I appreciate. But the bottom line is football can be like that, I had it at Woking where I got them promotion, we made half a million pounds for them but a new owner came in and got rid of me.

“I feel a bit hard done by at times but I’m not daft and if I’m not winning football matches then I’m not going to get praise, that’s for certain.

“I try to be as open as I can, I let everyone in the office, I help the club with charity games and try to build the club up but if it’s not right on the pitch then I’m going to get stick.

“I think I deserve some of the stick, I do, because people want to see us winning football games. But when they talk about launching it long, it’s pathetic. They can come and sit in my office and I’ll show them how we do play.”

Dartford took the first step toward turning their season around with a 1-0 win over Tonbridge last Saturday.

Dowson has come under fire from sections of the Darts fanbase but no one had taken the FA Cup loss to Welling harder than the man at the helm.

“It was a horrible week and I hated