AFTER taking the acclaim of the Darlington fans on an emotion-packed afternoon to mark the last game at Feethams, Quakers legend Ron Greener was unsure over his feelings about the move to pastures new.

"I don't know whether I'm looking forward to it or not," Greener, affectionately known as the "Man Mountain" confessed at the time.

On Saturday though, there was no such indecision from the 69-year-old, widely regarded as one of Darlington's finest ever players.

"It's wonderful, how anybody can fail to be inspired by this I don't know," he said as he surveyed the Reynolds Arena from the pitch.

"I've read about it in the papers but this is the first time I have been here. Everyone said it would never happen, but congratulations to George Reynolds, he's done what he said he would."

The Easington-born defender was part of the Lol Morgan team, which many followers still revere as the greatest Darlington side of all time.

Humbling high-flying Chelsea 4-1 in the FA Cup in 1958 and winning promotion for only the second time in the club's history in 1966 were the high points of Greener's career, which spanned 490 appearances.

He remembers the old days, and particularly Feethams, with great affection, despite the rats which he said were often found in the changing rooms. But his beloved club's new home takes the breath away.

"It's like a Premier League ground and hopefully the players will have the same commitment and effort that George has shown," he said.

"He's made all the doubters eat their words and now I hope there will be a good season. I like Mick Tait, the manager. I think he will instill the confidence and we can go from there."