By Martin Walker

Mark Cooper says the publication of the new fixtures last week will get fans buzzing for the 2010-11 campaign.

Darlington's new boss is pleased to have been given a home game in the opening match of the Blue Square Premier season on Saturday August 14.

But he admits the Quakers face a difficult opening few games.

"They could have been easier and could have been harder," he said.

"Newport County are on the crest of a wave at the moment, they romped to the Conference South title last season so they'll be full of confidence going into the new season, but we have to deal with that.

"We then go to Altrincham on the Tuesday night, which is a tough place to go for Darlington fans who haven't been before.

"It's a return to Kettering for me the following Saturday and that's another big game and then it's two home games against Grimsby and Gateshead, so for different reasons it doesn't get much bigger.

"But it gets them out of the way early on. The way I see it, we have to play all these teams at some point. It's a cliché but all have to play each other, I don't see a problem with having the big games early on.

"Some of these teams will be in form and some of them won't. We just have to make sure we're prepared and ready, but we're looking forward to it.

"I know a lot of fans will have been keen to see the fixtures and were no doubt looking out for fixtures such as Grimsby, York and Luton.

"We know when they all are now so it does give everyone a lift and reminds you that the season is just around the corner.

"I'm sure our fans can't wait for the start of the season and neither can we. It's been a difficult time for them and we're keen to get off to a flying start."