MARTIN Gray last night revealed that Darlington are following Hartlepool United's lead by introducing new measures to bring a "togetherness" to the Quakers squad.

Gray was impressed with the team spirit Pools players showed last season as they were promoted to League One.

And it is an element manager Dave Penney is also keen to instil at the Darlington Arena, especially after bringing nine new players to the club since the end of last season.

"When you look at teams like Hartlepool, they have a real togetherness and that is something we have been trying to implement at Darlington," said Gray.

"We've made a lot of changes to our training schedules, which ensures the players spend as much time together as possible.

"We all have breakfast, lunch and tea together so we've been spending a lot of hours in each other's company.

"The manager has put a lot of attention on the players bonding, which has been important because there are a lot of new faces at the club. But they've all gelled very quickly and we couldn't be any happier with the way things have gone so far."

Penney still expects to sign two more players before the start of the season, which kicks off at home to Wrexham on August 11.

With Martin Smith sidelined until August at the earliest, a winger is Penney's next target, despite the arrival of Rob Purdie and Kevin McBride.

Some of Penney's new signings are likely to play in Thursday's friendly at Durham City.

Meanwhile, the club yesterday announced a short-term price freeze on season tickets.

Fans can buy tickets at the current rate of £272 adults, £119 juniors (10-16), while students, disabled supporters and helpers will pay £187 until Monday. All season tickets include one free match day carvery.

Chief executive Jon Sotnick said: "We hope that keeping our prices static for an extra couple of weeks, and the ambition we have shown during this close season, will encourage fans to buy a season ticket."

Season tickets are available by calling 08700 272 949.

* Danny Wilson's Pools squad returned for pre-season training at Maiden Castle, Durham yesterday.

The Pools boss, however, has missed out on the capture of Hull City front man Darryl Duffy, who will this morning sign for Swansea City on a three-year deal.

Duffy was having a medical in South Wales last night after a £200,000 fee was agreed - rising to £300,000 - and the Scottish striker left Hull's training camp in Italy to finalise terms.

Pools had agreed a fee with Hull, before The Tigers upped their valuation when Swansea's interest became clear.