DARLINGTON return for pre-season training next week with manager Martin Gray fresh from officially being named manager of the year in the Northern Premier League.

During the league’s annual dinner in Blackpool last weekend he received a trophy in recognition of leading Quakers to the title last season.

The club were also formally handed the NPL championship silverware as well as a permanent memento of the achievement.

“It was a real team effort both on and off the field,” said Gray. “It wasn’t just about me, but also the rest of the coaching team who supported me, and the players who made a supreme effort, especially over the final weeks of the season.

“And there was also a tremendous amount of backing from our volunteers and supporters.”

Gray’s players commence training on Tuesday with their first friendly being a week tomorrow at Buxton.

It is the first of four friendly fixtures Darlington have lined up, but they hope to add a couple more having lost two games from their schedule due to two opposition teams cancelling matches.

Schedule:

Saturday, July 2: Buxton v Darlington

Tuesday, July 5: Harrogate RA v Darlington

Tuesday, July 12: Billingham Synthonia v Darlington

Wednesday, July 20: Richmond v Darlington U18s

Friday, July 22: Gateshead v Darlington