GARY BROWN hopes to return next weekend, so he will make his managerial bow in the dug-out today.

Alongside Phil Turnbull, the defender has been asked by Darlington’s hierarchy to take charge of team affairs for today’s game with Stockport County at Blackwell Meadows.

Turnbull will play while Brown’s return from a concussion issue, which has seen him miss the last seven matches, must wait a week.

“I was looking to try and get back playing this weekend, but then this manager situation has come about, so I’ll probably leave myself out of the squad,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll be back next week. I’ve only had a couple of training sessions and headed the ball a couple of times, but I’ve had no reaction so hopefully I’ll be good to go.”

With Martin Gray having left for York, today is the dawn of a new era for Darlington, and Brown was at the beginning of the last one too.

He was captain in Gray’s team at the beginning of the 2012-13 season, since when he has made 171 appearances and been part of three promotions.

“We’ve had an unbelievable five years. Everything that’s been chucked at us we’ve overcome,” said Brown.

“This is no different to trying to win a league, really. If you get something chucked at you, you’ve just got to try and get over it. Greegs and Atky are top drawer and those leaving are a major hit for us. But we’re all determined boys and we’re ready for anything.”

Response to Gray’s exit has been mixed among supporters, though Brown said: “Martin did a fantastic job. It’s the same as any manager, whenever they leave a club you always get a few people looking at the negatives.

“But the stats speak for themselves, and he’ll be hard to replace. He has drive in all walks of life. He makes a lot of sacrifices to be successful in football and in his business. When people are that driven they usually succeed.”

The team are sure to receive plenty of backing today, and Brown added: “The fans are in the same position as the players – they always give 100 per cent. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of noise and excitement around at 3pm on Saturday and that’s what we need.

“Together we are stronger.”