Striker Charlie Sheringham takes a pay cut to return to National League South Dartford for a fourth spell

Charlie Sheringham’s desire to play for Dartford again was key, according to boss Alan Dowson.

The 34-year-old striker has returned to Princes Park for a fourth spell with the club.

Darts boss Dowson revealed that the forward has taken a pay cut, such was his desire to be part of the squad.

“Charlie’s goals record in the last couple of seasons has been really good,” stated Dowson.

“His biggest thing is his desire to be here, he desperately wants to finish his career here. He wants to get the club promoted and he matches all our ambitions.

“It wasn’t about money, he’s getting a lot less money here than he was at Chelmsford, to be honest, so that’s credit to him.

“He just wants to be here. If he wants to be here, then I’ve got a chance.”

Sheringham joins Alex Wall and Dan Roberts as forward options for Dowson, and the Darts boss isn’t finished there.

Roberts could be used as both a central striker or wideman, so there are potentially two more spots up for grabs.

“I want two big men and two small men up top,” stated Dowson. “I want four strikers in the squad.

“If we want to win matches then we need some goals from somewhere.

“Dan Roberts is a young lad, he’s the quickest thing we’ve got here as well. We want to sign another striker with pace but you need experience in the team.

“You need people who want to go to places like Concord on a Tuesday night and win matches, and Charlie is one of them. Alex Wall is flying in training at the minute, he is being physical and aggressive to play against already.”

There are still around four places up for grabs in Dowson’s squad, although he is keeping an open mind as their pre-season friendlies get under way.

Dartford host Charlton this Saturday and then Millwall on Tuesday night at