DARLINGTON begin their pre-season preparations at Whitby Town tonight, with manager David Hodgson running the rule over several trialists.

Former Middlesbrough trio Curtis Fleming, David Murphy and Alan Harrison will be handed run-outs at the Turnbull Ground, along with three academy players from Nottingham Forest, Leicester City and Watford.

Fleming has been training with Quakers after being released by Crystal Palace, while Murphy and Harrison were freed by Boro at the end of the season. Hartlepool-born Murphy was expected to pen a deal with Bristol Rovers.

Argentinean striker Leandro Scartascini will lead the attack after signing a three-month deal.

However, there will be no place in the side for Matty Appleby, who has been training with the club. He still has another year to run with Oldham and the League One outfit are reluctant to allow him to play because of insurance issues.

Hodgson will not be including any of his first-teamers in this evening's game, which kicks off at 7.30pm.

New signings Sam Russell, Joe Kendrick and Stephen Thomas will make their debuts at Durham City on Wednesday night.

Hodgson will be accompanied by his new right-hand man Mark Proctor this evening.

And after seven years coaching in Middlesbrough's academy, Proctor is relishing his new role.

"I'm not entirely familiar with this level, but it is a challenge I'm looking forward to," said Proctor. "At academy level it is all about development rather than results, whereas in the Third Division winning is paramount."

During his time at Boro, Proctor has successfully groomed a number of players for the professional game and having witnessed the impact Danny Graham made with Quakers last season, Proctor is hopeful of taking the 19-year-old to the New Stadium this season.

"I sent Danny across to Darlington initially and he did very well here," said Proctor. "Boro want to have a look at him in a second-team environment but we are hoping to bring him back across at some stage."

Quakers will not be following up their interest in former Watford striker Allan Smart. Hodgson held talks last week but has chosen not to take discussions any further.

Read more about the Quakers here.