DARLINGTON will name Dave Penney as their new manager this morning.

The former Doncaster Rovers boss will be unveiled as David Hodgson's successor at a 10am press conference at the 96.6TFM Arena, with Martin Gray to be confirmed as his No.2.

Penney's appointment comes after Hodgson was sacked by Quakers earlier this month. He was accused by the club of breaching Football League rules in connection with alleged payments to agents.

The club last week confirmed that Penney was on a shortlist of four, which also included current caretaker boss Gray.

However, Gray will now assist the new manager with first-team duties.

Neil Maddison, who has been in temporary charge with Gray, is expected to resume his role as reserve team coach. Craig Liddle could also be in line for a return to the club, as a possible replacement for Gray as youth-team coach.

Penney was offered the job by chairman George Houghton on Saturday, shortly after watching Darlington's goalless draw with derby rivals Hartlepool.

And, after agreeing terms over the weekend, Penney is this morning expected to sign a three-year deal with the club.

Darlington chief executive Jon Sotnick last night refused to confirm Penney's arrival.

However, Sotnick is confident supporters will welcome the club's choice.

He said: "I'm delighted with the appointment we're about to make. We believe we have a united managerial team that will focus on an assertive push for promotion this season.

"We are very keen to show how serious we are and this is another step in the right direction to try and win the fans over the new regime.

"We won't be taking any shortcuts and I'm sure the fans will be delighted with this appointment.

"This move is in the best interests of the football club and now we can concentrate on what matters most, and that's getting the right results on the pitch.

"We have every confidence that the new manager shares that ambition and I think we have a lot to look forward to."

Penney has been out of work since August after leaving Doncaster Rovers. The 42-year-old guided the club to League One in 2004 after winning back-to-back promotions from the Conference.

But, after admitting he needed a fresh start, Penney parted company with Doncaster just six games into the new season.

The Yorkshireman has been linked with several clubs since leaving Belle Vue two months ago, including Bournemouth, Leeds and Norwich.

But now, after a short spell out of the game, Penney is ready to return to management.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: "It's got to be the right club that's progressive and wants to go forward.

"It depends what clubs want - all clubs want different attributes from different managers - but I'm sure somebody will look at my CV and see that I can do a job for their club.

"I'll just look at each individual club and see if I can make a go of it."

Since Hodgson's departure Quakers have picked up five points from four games under Gray and Maddison.

Gray was the unanimous choice of the players to take on the role on a permanent basis.

And, while Houghton and Sotnick have decided to opt for the experience of Penney, Gray's efforts have not gone unnoticed.

"Martin has flogged his guts out and we have acknowledged his effort, application and ability," said Sotnick.