Dartford's potential makes it an attractive job for new manager Alan Dowson

Alan Dowson knows his job is to win promotion at Dartford - but he’s refusing to look that far ahead.

The 51-year-old returned from holiday on Monday and was at his new office in Princes Park the following day, immediately securing the signature of captain Tom Bonner.

The Darts finished in the play-off places under former manager Steve King and have made no secret over their ambition of returning to the top flight of non-league football.

It’s part of the attraction for Dowson, who can’t wait to see if he can realise Dartford’s undoubted potential.

“One of the attractions is that it’s a club where you know you can do something,” said Dowson.

“A lot of clubs out there you think it’s just a job, with Dartford it’s more than a job. It’s got good backing, a good stadium, a lot of people who want to work hard for the club.

“The chairman, the board and Tony Burman are all supporters of the club as well which I think is important, it means they care about the club.

“We’ve nearly got there in the last couple of years, it’s up to us in the next two years to make sure we do get there.”

Dowson was sacked by Woking at the end of February. He’s had clubs approach him to return to the game but he wanted to wait for something that could match his ambition.

“I’ve had offers but nothing really appealed,” added Dowson.

“If I’d taken a job, I would have been taking it for the sake of taking it. Here, I’m taking it because I really want it and I want to do well.

“It’s a really good club, I’ve always liked the club and the feel of it when you come here but you don’t realise until you join what it’s got around it.

“You’ve got the stadium, the training facilities, the directors who want to do well, so there’s not much wrong with Dartford.

“I