At 09:30 this morning, the Dartford board released a statement via their social media channels, confirming that they have taken the decision to relieve manager Alan Dowson of his duties.
The club have also confirmed that Tony Burman will take “temporary control until a new manager is appointed.” Burman is currently the Director of the youth department at the club and has served as both manager and assistant manager at Dartford on a number of occasions between 1993 and 2016.
Dowson was appointed as manager ahead of the 2022/23 season to replace Steve King, and oversaw a strong first campaign in charge, finishing second in the league and narrowly missing out on the Playoff Final after losing to St Albans City on penalties.
As a result, he was rewarded with a new two-year deal before the current season in charge, but this term could not be more contrasting to the last. Dartford are currently 16th in the Vanarama National League South, with nine wins, seven draws and eleven losses in 27 games.
In their statement, the implications of these results on the season are acknowledged, as they “have not been forthcoming and the Board has a responsibility to make decisions to focus on progression.”
“It should go without saying that we thank Dowse and his team for their efforts and wish them all well in whatever they pursue next in football.”
Regardless of the sour taste left by some of this season’s results, those of the last campaign will live long in the memory of Dartford fans. Some that spring to mind are the 1-4 and 4-0 demolitions of Kent rivals Ebbsfleet United across Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, as well as the 5-1 drubbing of Welling United in November of 2022.
Dartford will now turn their attention to the recruitment of a new manager, as they look to close a seven point gap between their current position and the playoffs.