Darlington chief executive officer David Johnston is urging all Darlo fans to get behind the new management team and the players on Saturday against Bradford Park Avenue.

Quakers’ search for a new manager to replace the departed Martin Gray finally ended on Friday afternoon, with Tommy Wright being appointed manager and Alan White as assistant.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve appointed Tommy and Alan, it has been an incredibly difficult last three weeks,” he said. “We are all very excited about their appointments, we are sure that they can take this club forward to where we want to be.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience over this period, because there has been so much going on. There has been a lot of media and social media speculation which has been detrimental at times, but we must stress that throughout this process, Darlington FC has maintained complete discretion.

“The board remained resolute in its approach for Tommy, and we are delighted to have secured his and Alan’s services for the future.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend today’s game because of a long-standing family commitment, but please get behind Tommy, Alan and the lads, give them your 100 per cent support and hopefully we’ll get three points.”