The Darlington squad begin their build up for the season in the Vanarama National League North with their first training session tonight.

Manager Martin Gray has added to his squad by bringing in:

• Arran Wearmouth
• Jordan Watson
• Liam Marrs
• Lewis Nightingale
• Mark Bell

All five will meet their new team mates tonight, although of course Mark Bell already knows some of the lads from his first spell at the club in which he won a Northern League winner’s medal and an EvoStik play off winner’s medal.

MG said; “Before the lads went for the close season, we emphasised the need for them to keep a certain level of fitness and to look after themselves.

“Make no mistake about it, the players will be working hard in pre season. Last summer, we raised the fitness levels of the players from the season before, and that was one of the factors in our championship win.

“The players will need to be fitter than last season, without doubt. As a club, we are entering a higher standard of football, and there will be a very tough season ahead”

Last season, MG introduced an interesting fitness programme for the lads, and he’s sure to have a similar programme again this time round.

The new season’s fixtures the Vanarama National League North are due to be published on Wednesday July 6th.

Quakers’ first pre –season friendly game will be at Buxton this Saturday (July 2nd) , a game that is part of the transfer deal for striker Liam Hardy, who moved to Quakers in February.

Admission charges are £6 and £4 for the game, which kicks off at 3pm.

There is limited car parking near the ground, supporters are advised to use car parks either in the town centre or in Buxton market place.