DARLINGTON had hoped to be heading home in 2015-16 and while the move appears to have stalled, there is no doubting they are aiming for a third promotion in four seasons.

After successfully navigating the play-offs in May, it is without fear Quakers go into the Evo-Stik Premier Division, aiming to maintain momentum and go up again, just as Curzon Ashton did last season.

It’s a big ask. There’s only a single promotion place available, plus four play-off spots, and many observers are in agreement that the division is at its strongest in years with Workington, Ashton, Blyth and, of course, Salford City all expected to challenge for the title.

Salford’s spending power makes them title favourites, as they surely will be no matter what division they happen to be in as long as the Class of ’92 and their billionaire Singaporean backer maintain an interest.

“Curzon did it back-to-back, that’s encouraging for us and shows that it can be done,” said Quakers boss Martin Gray, whose team start the campaign a week tomorrow at Buxton. “Every club has the same ambition, but it’s a long season and there’ll be a few more games to play this year compared to the last three years. There’ll be a more travelling, but we’re prepared for that.”

Quakers have lost talismanic skipper Gary Brown and rampaging striker Liam Hatch, but in have come some real non-league quality, particularly Phil Turnbull.

His decision to leave Gateshead and go in search of part-time football has played into Darlington’s hands and alongside Tom Portas he’ll form a formidable midfield pairing, while new captain Kevin Burgess promises to be a powerful presence alongside Chris Hunter in defence.

Gray added: “I’m pleased with the signings we’ve made. It’s the strongest the squad has been since I took over at the club.

“This summer we’ve improved the quality of the squad and we’ve improved the experience in there too.

“Kevin Burgess has played in this division for the last five or six seasons, Phil Turnbull goes without saying, Adam Nowakowski comes from a higher level, so I’ve been delighted with what we’ve brought in.”

Graeme Armstrong, steadily recovering from an abdominal injury, is also no stranger to this division.

Having scored twice in Tuesday’s 8-0 win over Bishop, he said: “I’ve played for Byth, Whitby Gateshead and Harrogate at this level or above. I was promoted out of this league with Gateshead, so I’ve got plenty of experience at this level and it’s going to be a step up, but what a squad we’ve got.

“You could see that with the players that came off the bench against Bishop, plus the players that were in the stand. It’s the strongest the squad has been since the club was demoted.”

Gray’s former Quakers team-mate Neil Aspin, now Halifax manager, watched last week’s friendly with York and was similarly effusive in his view on Darlington.

“It was interesting speaking to Neil after the York game,” said Gray. “He has managed at this level and he was encouraged by what he saw. He thinks we will be challenging, so that’s reassuring to hear from someone that’s been there and done it at this level.

“We expect to be in the mix at the top end of the table, otherwise we wouldn’t be doing our job right.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”

The Northern Echo: