DARTFORD manager Adam Flanagan believes the strength of Billericay Town’s squad means their off the field dramas will not be hugely significant when the two teams meet this weekend.

Billericay welcome the Darts to the AGP Arena on Saturday, bidding to build on their start of 11 points from nine matches.

Town have accrued eight more points so far but have been hampered by events off the pitch in the last fortnight.

Harry Wheeler’s sacking along with the departures of first team coach Tristan Lewis and sports scientist Craig Lewis means Town are without any recognised managerial structure.

But Flanagan, who joined Dartford from Concord Rangers in the summer, said he still expects Billericay to pose a big threat as well as being hard to predict.

“While they may not have a recognised coach in the management team they have a wealth of experience on the pitch with the calibre of players,” said Flanagan. “They have such strength and depth to the squad that they are strong in all areas.

“It makes it more difficult to predict who will play and the formation they may select as this has changed recently but we will do our best to face these head on in the game.”

Flanagan admitted he was surprised to see Wheeler depart after he led Town to three trophies last year and a run of 19 games unbeaten before he was dismissed at the end of last month.

But he added that he was sure owner Glenn Tamplin will replace the 30-year-old former boss very soon.

“Harry going was a real surprise as Billericay had started the season well and continued on from the success last season,” said Flanagan.

“Speculation has come out on how Harry left the club but only Glenn and Harry know what truly went on.

“Harry has moved on to Maidstone and I am sure Glenn will take his time and make a new appointment in keeping with his expectations at the club very soon.”

Flanagan is the joint manager at Dartford along with Jamie Coyle.

And Flanagan believes there have been signs in recent weeks that the team is starting to click.

“Of late our overall performances have improved but we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. “We have a few key players out on Saturday but we will go there with a game plan and hopefully on the day, if we get it right, then we will put ourselves in a great position to get a positive outcome from the game.”