Dartford have been battling on two fronts this summer as they look to challenge for promotion.

Rival clubs have not only been able to offer more money - they've also dangled the carrot of full-time football.

That's made it a challenging close season for Dartford but they're determined to fight for a National League South play-off spot after missing out last year.

Joint-manager Jamie Coyle said: "It's not only the finances thrown around, we're also dealing with clubs who are full-time.

"Maidstone have stayed full-time after coming down and Dulwich Hamlet have gone to morning training.

"That attracts players, particularly those coming out of the National League or higher, who want to stay in full-time training.

"We've had meetings with players where we've lost out because of that.

"It's been a tough close season but we're really pleased with the business we've done.

"We're very much aware of the finances and the strengths of other clubs but we want to aim for the play-offs, as a management team, as a squad, as a club.

"The league's stronger this year but we're also stronger once we have all our players back, and come the end of August and September we'll hopefully have a bit of a headache with regards to choice.

"It's always nice to have that strength in depth."

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