Toman: Quakers will win Northern League

He has experience of managing in the league having been boss of Peterlee, Guisborough and Northallerton Town and he applied to be Quakers' new manager.

He had hoped for a return to the club having been part of the Darlington side which won back-to-back titles in 1990 and 1991. Although he was overlooked in favour of Martin Gray, Toman, holds no grudges and hopes Quakers are successful.

"I wish them all the best, I really do," he said.

"They should do well and I know they'll do well, the fans deserve it after everything they've put up with.

"In ten months' time they'll have won the league and it'll be Martin Gray in charge and not me which is a shame from my point of view because I would've liked the job, but there's no sour grapes, I wish them luck.

"With the finances that should be available, something's gone wrong if they don't win the Northern League.

"Spennymoor have won the league the last three years, but last season, with the players they've got, they should've won by Christmas."

Toman coached at Bradford Park Avenue last season when they won promotion to the Conference North.

He has not been at the helm of a club since leaving Seaham Red Star in 2010.

He added: "I've said before that I wouldn't return to the Northern League after they changed the rules about registering players. Players can leave with seven days' notice now, so you can't build a team.

"But then Darlington came along and I was very interested."

Darlington are to appeal against the Football Association's decision to demote them to the Northern League.

Meanwhile, Quakers have announced ticket prices for matches next season, which shall be played at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park.

Season tickets for adults are £150 and with concessions £80. An adult season ticket for a seated area is £195 with concessions £115. It costs £35 for six to 16-year-olds.

Matchday pricing is £8 per adult for standing (£5 concessions) and £2 for six to 16. Admission is free for under fives.