Dartford Football Club have confirmed the signing of former Gillingham defender Richard Rose.

Rose who has also played for Hereford United negotiated his release from his current club, Dagenham & Redbridge to agree a new deal at the Conference Premier side.

Tony Burman, Dartford manager, was delighted to have secured the services of the 29 year old:

“We’ve been talking to Richard for quite a while and we’ve finally done a deal.”

“Richard had another year left on his contract (at Dagenham and Redbridge), and things have been sorted out which have allowed him to come to us.”

“Richard is a right back but can play anywhere across the back and in midfield, and we need someone who can cover positions. I’m delighted to have someone of his calibre and experience signing for us.”

Rose, who will wear the number 2 shirt this season, stated that former Dart Luke Wilkinson helped make his mind up to join.

“Luke had a lot of good things to say about the club, and when the manager said I wasn’t going to feature a lot this year, I spoke to Tony during the summer.”

“He was saying positive things about the club so it was an easy decision to make and join Dartford. It’ll be difficult to change from full time to part time but it’s going to be a good challenge.”

Rose came through the youth system at Gillingham, joining as a trainee, making 64 appearances for the club before leaving for Hereford United in the summer of 2006 on a free transfer.

The versatile player played 193 times for The Bulls before agreeing a two year deal with The Daggers last summer. He was restricted to just 17 games for them last season and will now line up for Dartford when they get their new season underway against Tamworth at Princes Park on Saturday.