By Martin Walker

Mark Cooper says it didn't take his players long to get to know each other after starting pre-season training at the end of last week.

The Quakers squad reported back to their training base at Houghall College in Durham on Thursday and had three days of fitness training followed by a day off yesterday.

Seven new faces joined the Darlington squad last week, with Kelvin Jack, Sam Russell, Dominik Werling, Jamie Chandler, Chris Senior, Tommy Wright and Michael Brough.

But Cooper says it didn't take them long to settle in to their new environment.

"They spent the first day pretty much getting to know each other but it didn't take them long," said Cooper.

"It doesn't take players long before they're ribbing each other and that's certainly been the case!

"But it's good to have them all back. They're all buzzing and looking forward to the friendlies and the start of the new season."

The Darlo squad underwent the usual pre-season routine of measurements and tests before the fitness programme started in earnest.

Cooper added: "There was a lot of tests carried out such as their weights, body fat measurements etc, and we had a decent session.

"We trained Friday and Saturday and they had yesterday off to recover so we're back into it today and we start preparing for the Sunderland friendly.

"The emphasis is really on trying to get them as fit as possible but without getting any injuries.

"The focus is to get them in the best shape for the start of the season on August 14 and we have plenty of games in between now and then to get them match sharp."

Darlington play their first pre-season friendly at home to Sunderland at the Northern Echo Arena this Saturday.

Tickets are priced £10 adults and £5 concessions (senior citizens, Under-16s and students) and are available from the club now and on the day.

There are also corporate packages available from as little as £30 per person - to book or to make an enquiry call the sales team on 01325 387000 or email commercial@darlington-fc.net

Pre-season friendlies
Saturday July 17: Sunderland (H), 3pm
Tuesday July 20: Sheffield Weds (H), 7.30pm
Friday July 23: Carlisle Utd (H), 7.30pm
Monday July 26: Whitley Bay (A), 7pm
Tuesday July 27: Workington (A)
Thursday July 29: Kendal (A)
Saturday July 31: Billingham Synthonia (A), 3pm
Monday August 2: Spennymoor Town (A)
Wednesday August 4: Newton Aycliffe (A), 7.30pm