DARLINGTON manager Josh Gowling says the rebuilding process will take time as Quakers prepare for a big six pointer at Farsley on Saturday.

Quakers head to the Citadel in need of a win. They are bottom of the table with just one league win to their credit all season, and that was ten games ago at Alfreton. That run has left Darlington nine points adrift of fifth bottom Southport,

Despite losing 2-1 to Spennymoor last Saturday after looking as if a 0-0 draw against Blyth previously appeared to show improvement, Gowling is still very positive and looking for a morale boosting three points today.

“I must admit, I haven’t had the best week after the Spennymoor game,” he said.

“When I walked in the door, I was aware that the club was down and hurting and also of the challenges of turning this tank around. My staff and I, bit by bit will turn it around, although right now in the short term it might not look like there has been much progression, I can assure the fans that we as a squad are working tirelessly to improve the fortunes of the club.

“With the time we have with the players twice a week this is a process and will take some time and on occasions like last Saturday the performance might not look like where we want to go but I assure them we will get there.

“The teams that get promoted from this league either have a massive budget or a very good playing style. We are working towards that playing style but that takes time. Being brave in possession right now is daunting for some of the players and that’s why we need the fans’ support, guidance and positive voice to keep pushing the team forward. This is a process and we build together as one club.

“The history of this club is huge. It’s a big football club, and there’s a weight that comes with that. And when you’re not performing for a long period of time, that weight becomes heavy, that’s for sure. And when confidence is low and with the lack of wins this season, we need the continued support of the fans.  We want the fans to be excited about what we’re doing, but it’s a long process and it’s going to take time.”

Farsley are hovering just above the relegation zone, and just like Quakers, have had a poor return from their home games this season. They’ve picked up just four points at the Citadel, so their return of 13 points from eight away games under new manager Clayton Donaldson, has been a big factor in their current 19th place.

“I thought there were lots of positives last week against Spennymoor. For the first 25 minutes last week, we dominated the game, and for the last 10, 15 minutes they were hanging on.

“We have got to stick together as one football club, including the fans, and together make sure that we get to where we want to go. One win breeds confidence. The lads are so desperate for that win, it’s been a while. We’ve spoken at length, and we’ve got to think about the process and the things we need to do in training.”

On loan keeper David Robson has returned to Hull City, so Tommy Taylor will be back in goal.

Midfielder Ben Liddle is out for several weeks with an ankle injury, as is striker Mitchell Curry with a shoulder injury.

Central defender Jake Lawlor, who came off last week with a back injury, will have a fitness test.