Dartford manager Alan Dowson on his new office, building a squad and having to deal with agents at National League South level

The only item missing from Alan Dowson’s new office at Dartford is a bed.

The worrying thing is that if he puts one in there the new Darts boss is just as likely to move in permanently as he plays catch-up on his summer rebuilding job.

“They’ve got everything here, I’ve even got Sky Sports in my office which is great!” joked the good-natured Geordie.

“I don’t have to go home, I can watch Coronation Street from here, I’ve got everything in this office. Once I get a bed in here, I’m made up. I’m looking forward to cracking on.”

Pre-season games to schedule. Players to retain, players to sign, agents to avoid. It’s an endless list for Dowson, who has been busy retaining players in his first few days in the job.

Tom Bonner, Connor Essam, Dan Roberts, Samir Carruthers, Kristian Campbell and Cameron Brodie have already put pen to paper.

“It just means I’ve got to work harder, as simple as that,” said Dowson. “I will come in every day to do it. I’m trying to get some pre-season friendlies, I’ve arranged one against Millwall and I’m working on that schedule.

“We’ve got two weeks this Saturday until we start pre-season so we’re a little bit behind but it’s nothing we can’t deal with.”

Dowson’s reputation is for a community manager, as much as a football one. He’s got an open-door office policy at Princes Park - unless he’s talking to a player – and had already shared a cuppa with the cleaner, groundsman and decorator in between signing Bonner in his first morning on the job.

“The reaction from around the place has been excellent,” said Dowson. “I have to give a special mention to Tony Burman, who has been really good.

“I’ve got to get through players and calls in the next few hours and days, and get on with it now. I want to do