Darlington returned from training camp in Scotland yesterday and Mark Proctor says the trip has already put them in good heart for next season.

While most clubs returned after the summer break this week, the Quakers began training last week and followed it up with an intensive five days at Stirling Castle.

Although signings have been lacking so far, manager David Hodgson returns from holiday tomorrow so Quakers can expect to see fresh blood added to a squad soon.

The opening league game is at Rushden but the first friendly is only six days away, at Harrogate on Thursday, July 14, followed 24 hours later by a trip to Blyth.

Proctor said the trip north of the border was extremely beneficial: "Going to Scotland was about a bit of male bonding, it give us a bit of time together to focus ideas.

"We used some fantastic facilities that Hodgy arranged. We trained three times a day, there was great training and pitches and the beach to run on so it was ideal to get a bit of togetherness going and good preparation.

"Players always come back after their break with a bit of trepidation but I always loved the training.

"When I was at Nottingham Forest with Cloughie he used to say that championships were won and lost in August and September. He meant getting the foundations in place at this time of year was vital so you can start the season well which is what we're aiming to do.

"The days of flogging players to death are long gone.

"Players were all given a close season programme to work from and the days of players coming back two stones overweight because they had a lifestyle issue are gone, it happened when I played, though never with me!"

* Craig Liddle is to give away his last Darlington home shirt as a mark of thanks to the backing he received in eight years with the club.

He was a fans' favourite throughout his time with Quakers and on the day of his testimonial match later this month will present the shirt to a lucky fan.

Raffle tickets for the shirt, worn in his last home game for the club which was February's 2-1 win over Swansea City, are available from the following Darlington outlets:

Glenwoods Paint Suppiles, Yarm Road; Glenwoods on Faverdale Industrial Estate; Olympic Mini Stores, Olympic Street, off Brinkburn Road; Douglas News, Skinnergate and Douglas News, Bondgate.

Raffle tickets will also be on sale at the testimonial match against Middlesbrough on July 23, which has been organised by the Craig Liddle Testimonial Match Committee, with the draw being made at half-time.

Runners-up prizes include two Darlington season tickets, a signed Quakers ball and a signed Boro ball. Tickets for the match are on sale from the ticket office, £10 and £5.

Also available are tickets for the Ron Greener Lounge and they include a three-course meal, a seat in the south stand and a programme.

Costing £38.50, these are not available from the ticket office as reservations must be made with Andy Scullion on 07786 498 542.

The Boro game also offers supporters the unique opportunity to mix with players from both sides after the game as tickets for the players' lounge are on offer.

To buy one of the limited number of these exclusive tickets, costing £5, contact Andy Scullion on the above number.

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