Craig Elliott is asking Darlington supporters to get behind him and the players as he sets about building a team we can all be proud of.

Craig will be at the game tonight, watching the game from the balcony, leaving Terry Mitchell in charge in the technical area.

Craig will take training from Thursday onwards. Thanks to Bradford Park Avenue for their assistance in this manager process.

In his first interview with Stuart Armstrong, our new manager explains what brought him to Darlington and what he wants to bring to the club: honesty, hard work and a positive approach, with no excuses.

The strength of our support was a big part of the attraction. Craig welcomes the expectation that comes with the job and wants supporters to get to know him as a person as well as a manager.

“I need them behind us. I need them behind me. I need them behind the players,” he said. “That's what makes this club special, and that's what'll push us forward.”

He recognises that this is a difficult period for everyone who cares about Darlington. His message is that sticking together matters most at times like these.

“That's when you need people around you, you need the support.”

Craig is equally clear about his own responsibility. He wants to focus on the club's strengths and the work needed to improve, with the players taking the same approach.

“We've got lots of positive things at this club that we need to be proud of, and we need to sort of buy into that,” he said.

“We've got an unbelievable fan base, and we want to use that to our advantage.”

On the pitch, he wants an honest, organised and competitive team that plays with energy, presses high and takes responsibility together. Defending starts at the front, and improving concentration through difficult spells in games is among his immediate priorities.

“I like to press high. I like to be aggressive in and out of possession. I like a really good tempo in my teams,” he said.

Having faced similar challenges at Boston United and Buxton, Craig brings experience of taking over teams in difficult circumstances. He knows that developing his approach will take time, through training, clear messages and working with the players week by week.

His ambition is for supporters to see that progress for themselves and enjoy watching a Darlington team that reflects the hard work and honesty he values.

For now, his invitation is simple: “Come down, support me, support the players.”

Watch Craig's full interview with Stuart Armstrong below.