Former Darlington manager Brian Little last night backed the club's move to the Reynolds Arena and believes the foundations are now firmly in place for a bright future.

Quakers entertain Kidderminster Harriers in the first-ever game at the 27,500 all-seater stadium tomorrow and Little, who achieved promotion from the Conference in his first full season with the club before leading them to the Fourth Division championship the following year in 1991, is confident the new home will play a big part in taking the club forward.

"It's obviously a fantastic set-up and hopefully it well help them in the long-term," said Little.

"It's a great step for the club. It's a good move and time will probably prove that to be the case."

However, Little has warned that the club's investment in its new state-of-the-art stadium must continue through to the team if chairman George Reynolds is to bring the success he craves for the club.

"Stadiums these days are very important and in great stadiums you have to have decent sides," said Little.

"It's no good having great facilities if you haven't got the players."

Meanwhile, Mick Tait is hoping to take another look at Ipswich defender Erdem Artun next week.

The Turkish-born 20-year-old returned to Portman Road last week to receive treatment on a knock he sustained during Quakers' final pre-season game at Whitby.

Artun is now training with Quakers in the hope of earning a permanent deal with Tait expecting to run the rule over the player in next Tuesday's reserve team clash at Newcastle.

* The Darlington Supporters' Trust is to run its 'Sponsor-A-Goal' scheme again this season, in which fans can pledge money towards goals scored - either by individual players or the whole team.Last season raised over £1,000 and proceeds are split between Trust funds and the club's youth development.

You can take part in Sponsor-A-Goal by picking up a form from the Trust/Supporters' Club table at Bar 66 at the Reynolds Arena, visiting the Trust website www.darlotrust.co.uk or writing to the Trust at: Standalone Farm, Croft-on-Tees Darlington, Co Durham, DL2 2TL.

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