Darlington manager Martin Gray has arranged some fitness-building sessions before the real stuff begins in a fortnight’s time, and Brown and the rest of the squad have been working very hard.

“The sessions are very rewarding and very enjoyable,” said Browny. “ The idea has come over from the USA, and it’s got us and well and truly blowing!

“Bustard (Ian Watson) has been running the sessions, he knows quite a lot about this stuff, and he’s also got a sports nutrition degree.

The sessions are being held twice a week until the pre season really starts in earnest. The first friendly is scheduled for July 4^th at Durham City.

There’ll be three new faces in the Darlington dressing room when the friendlies start, Rob Youhill, Kevin Burgess and Adam Nowakowski.

“I can remember seeing the bottom of Rob Youhill’s boots once against Harrogate RA last season, and he looked quite a useful player, especially as he scored after he went past me!

“I’ve played against Kev Burgess, and I was very, very impressed. He is our sort of player, he does what he has to do, and he’s very good at it. He’ll get stuck in, and the fans will love him. He’s an out and out winner.

“I haven’t played against Adam Nowakowski, but from what I’ve been told he’s done really well for Harrogate Town.

“All three lads look as if they’ll be very useful signings for us.”

And Brown also says tongue-in-cheek about Jim Provett, who is now the club’s second choice keeper; “I’m really disappointed to lose my tag as second choice keeper, now that Jim’s signed on. I’ve kept more clean sheets than him for the club!”