DARLINGTON are playing in Europe this weekend having ventured to the Netherlands for a game that Tommy Wright admits is about team bonding as well as match fitness.

A raft of new signings coupled with a dozen players leaving as made for a summer of change for Quakers, meaning it is a fresh start and a new era for the squad.

Pre-season got underway three weeks ago with a first training session, and in the past week Quakers have played Motherwell and Sunderland.

Today they play at PSV Eindhoven’s training ground against PSV De Jong, the Dutch club’s reserve side, having flown yesterday from Durham Tees Valley Airport.

“As well as minutes on the pitch it’s also about team bonding,” said Wright. “The fans are looking forward to it just as much as the boys, and it’s a great opportunity to bond for three days. We’ll be really approachable with the fans and it will be a great weekend away and the first of many with the club I hope.

“It’s great for the lads to play a team with the quality of PSV Jong, who play in the First Division of the Dutch league, and see their set up and facilities.

“The players are also looking forward to meeting up with the fans, and have a chance to strengthen the bonds that already exist. I’m sure it will be an enjoyable few days for everyone involved.”

Darlington’s first friendly of the summer saw them given a tough workout by Motherwell, who won 5-1, whereas Quakers won 1-0 on Tuesday against Sunderland, who were playing their first match of the summer.

Wright added: “It’s going to be another tough game in the sun. PSG will have a carpet of a pitch, they will bop it around and make us move, but after that game the real football can start for us.

“At the moment it’s about fitness and match practice for us and not looking for much else.”

Wright was pleased with the performance against Sunderland, saying: “I loved the fact we won a game of football against a League One team.

“They’re on in their preparations but we won a game of football against a League One team and I can’t take that away from the boys.

“It’s encouraging, it’s exciting. They’re a team of full time professionals who will be playing League One football next season. It’s a massive achievement for the boys.”