TOM PORTAS has been given a clear order: Get forward and score more goals.
The Darlington midfielder found the net only three times last season, but two were contenders for the club’s goal of the season accolade with a strike in the league against Bamber Bridge winning the end of season award.
He also scored an eye-catching goal in last weekend’s win at Harrogate RA, leading manager Martin ray to say: “I expect more goals from Tom Portas this year, I’m demanding more from him.
“It’s something I think he should be capable of because of the experience of the person playing alongside him.
“I’ve spoken to Tom about it and I will speak to him more over the next week or two about the importance of getting forward.
“I think Phil Turnbull will allow him to push forward and last season he proved what he can do with the goals he scored from outside the box.”
Portas makes his first return to Whitby Town tomorrow since joining Darlington a year ago, a move he made around the same time as striker Graeme Armstrong.
Armstrong hopes to play some part and an appearance would represent his comeback following major surgery on an abdominal injury in May.
After tomorrow’s trip to the coast, they play Bishop Auckland on Tuesday before travelling to Spennymoor Town a week today.
Quakers' league season commences at Buxton on Saturday, August 15.
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