MG has added five players to the squad during the summer -- Adam Nowakowski, Rob Youhill, Jim Provett, Phil Turnbull and Kevin Burgess – to make Quakers a powerful team to watch when the Evo-Stik League kicks off on August 15^th.

“It shows how much ambition this club has when two players have dropped down to the EvoStik League from the Conference to come and play for us,” he said.

“When I spoke to Adam and Phil, they were both very keen to come. They could see how professional, passionate and ambitious a club that Darlington FC is. Phil said on our website on Tuesday that Darlington is the next most professional club after Gateshead.

“They know that the club wants to keep advancing up the league system, and is very keen to win promotion this season, and that is why they were prepared to drop into the EvoStik.

“The same goes for Kevin and Rob – they want to be a part of what we hope will be a continuing success story. Jim already knows what to expect from his year here as goalkeeping coach.”

MG has guided Quakers to two promotions in three years, and he pointed out; “The very fact that we won promotion last season is a massive bonus. There is no way that we would have landed some of these players if we had stayed in the EvoStik First Division North.

“They have the pedigree and the experience to help us move up. They see playing for Darlington as a great opportunity – so hopefully it’s a win-win situation.”

Quakers attracted crowds of almost 2,000 for each of the games against Spennymoro and Bamber Bridge, and MG pointed out; “The fans have also played their part in these signings through their commitment and support. We had huge crowds for the two play off games at the end of last season, and the incoming players had noticed that. They want to play in front of big crowds every week, there is no better stage to play on. Plus as well, the players know that we have a great community spirit and togetherness at the club, and they want to be a part of it.”