Manager Alan Dowson not convinced big-name signings are the way to go for Dartford’s 2023/24 National League South campaign

Dartford manager Alan Dowson insisted he isn’t worried about making big-name signings.

The Darts continued their rebuilding project with three new faces this week - goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney, winger Brandon Barzey and midfielder Tyrell Miller-Rodney.

The trio were playing in National League South last season but Dowson sees that as a strength rather than a weakness, even if they’re not household names around Princes Park.

“I know how tough the league is going to be this year,” said Dowson.

“I’m trying to get people who might not be big names and things like that, but they’ll be big names by the end of the season - put it that way.

“The bottom line is that we’re very competitive but we can’t compete with paying silly money for players who I don’t think are worth it.

“I’m not going for these non-league names and some of them haven’t won anything in the past, anyway.

“I want to get players who have been at this level before and that I believe in. All the signings will be on my head, I never have the chairman or Tony Burman interfere in that.

“I’m trying to build a team that will work hard for each other. Hopefully that will lead to us having another successful season.

“If these so-called bigger clubs are paying out £700 a week, 52 weeks a year, then we can’t do that. Let’s not pretend that we can.

“If we can’t, then I’ve got to get my finger out and do something about it. All of the lads I am signing want to prove they can step up a level.

“Some people might have been there and done it and just want to pick up a pay cheque somewhere - we’re not having any of that here.”

Miller-Rodney only joined Havant from Hampton & Richmond in January but arrives at Princes Park as an accomplished National League South midfielder.

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