Former Darlington manager Alan Murray has returned to the club as their new general manager.

The 61-year-old, who was Quakers boss for 16 months after being appointed in October 1993, has begun work at The Northern Echo Arena after succeeding Phil Preston.

Chairman Raj Singh said: "We're delighted with the appointment of Alan.

"Phil Preston did a lot of good work at the club and it was a blow to lose him, but it was important to bring in the right person to carry on that work.

"We've been hugely impressed by all the work all our staff have done in the last year and we want to build on that, and Alan fitted the bill perfectly.

"His experience in football is absolutely second-to-none, he has vast local knowledge and contacts and his man-management skills will only benefit the club."

Prior to his appointment at Darlington, Murray enjoyed a successful spell at Hartlepool while he has also gained experience in the commercial and sales side of football.

Murray added: "It's great to be back in football and I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing my part in getting Darlington back into the Football League.

"Primarily, my role is to look after the non-playing side of the club and I have lots of corporate and sales experience with previous roles at Middlesbrough and Hartlepool and in the brewery industry.

"And, of course, the manager can always ask me for advice on the footballing side of the club if required.

"So overall I'll hopefully be able to bring a lot to the club. I know Phil Preston did a lot of good work here in the last year and I'm just looking to continue that."