Lee Clarke kicks off another brand new feature on darlington-fc.net - the Thursday feature, beginning with ex-Carlisle defender Paul Arnison, goalscorer against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night…
Darlington full-back Paul Arnison could be forgiven for feeling like something of a black sheep this summer having returned from his summer holidays as one of very few retained players from the last campaign.
Not only that but the 32-year-old admits both he and other players had been left feeling confused by the managerial situation at the club.
"I was away on holiday and received a call from Ryan Kidd saying that Simon Davey had left and that he was going to take over as manager," says Arnison.
"Then when I returned home I found out from the club that Kidd had resigned and they were trying to get another manager to take over."
Arnison admitted after last season's disastrous season, managerial security was key for the club and with pre-season approaching, appointing a new manager was crucial.
He said: "As a player, stability is important, it is never a good thing when managers come and go and you just want to know what is going on. Fortunately that is now sorted with Mark Cooper."
The tough-tackling full-back speaks highly of the new gaffer, and added: "He knows the league inside-out and comes with a wealth of non-league experience. He has brought new ideas and is slowly but surely getting through to the players."
Touching briefly on last season's relegation, Arnison added: "Last season was awful. We let the fans down badly, there was no consistency or team spirit and the players have to take a large amount of responsibility for that. Team spirit is massive in football and that is an area we will look to improve this season."
This Friday sees Darlington take on Arnison's former club Carlisle at the Northern Echo Arena. Arnison enjoyed six largely successful years at Brunton Park and admits to holding fond memories of his time there.
"I had some great times at Carlisle," he says. "We won the Conference and League Two and also reached the final of the LDV Vans Trophy at the Millenium Stadium.
"It was a great club to play for and there were some great people there.
"I know Gregg Abbott is still there from my time and is now the manager as is Dennis Booth the assistant."
Arnison believes his huge accomplishments in the lower leagues can only be a good thing for Darlington as they prepare for life in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
He said: "I know the league very well and I feel the experience of having played in the league before can only bode well for us."
Now fully settled back into the rigorous routine of pre-season training, Arnison feels the Quakers should be setting their targets high for the forthcoming season.
"I honestly feel that with the squad we have here play-off have to be our priority," he insists. "If we don't make them the season will be seen as a failure.
"We have played two pre-season games now and have looked fairly solid. The gaffer has already said he is looking to get maybe two or three more players in and we have to have the belief that we will only continue to get better and better."
Arnison does, however, believe that teams who visit the Northern Echo Arena this season are likely to view it as a massive game due to the facilities and stadia on offer.
"Every team that comes to play here this season will be pulling up to the ground thinking 'it's great we're going to be playing out there', some teams might come and shut up shop for a whole 90 minutes.
"It is up to us as a team to remain patient and play to our own strengths and not worry too much about what other teams are going to do when they come here on their big day out."
Arnison believes that consistency and team spirit will play crucial parts this season as Darlington look to gain promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt.
"We have to be looking to win our home games and pick up points wherever possible away from home," he says.
"It is important to have a nasty streak in this league and to channel that towards positive performances.
"On the other hand when things do go wrong it is important we all stick together and remain positive. It is something the gaffer has mentioned already since his arrival and is something we have to learn to do."
The 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night saw Arnison net his first goal in some time, and he joked: "It's been a while since I scored and that includes competitive matches, friendlies and training!
"When the penalty was given I said to Liam Hatch, who had the ball, 'Do you want it?' to which he replied 'no'.
"I've taken them in shoot-outs before so didn't see any reason why I shouldn't take this one.
"I think it would be helpful if everyone could chip in with goals throughout the season.
"I had the initial shot which led to the penalty on Tuesday night and if I can continue to get myself into those sorts of areas there is no reason why I can't add a few more this season.
"It would certainly take some of the pressure off the front players that is for sure."
On The Spot…
Best player played with: Peter Beardsley at Newcastle United.
Best player played against: Harry Kewell when he was at Leeds.
Childhood hero: Bryan Robson.
What is on your i-Pod: I will get some stick for this but Westlife and Take That.
What was the last film you saw: I saw Toy Story 3 with my son the other day and it was alright.
Who is your dream date: Cheryl Cole.
Which four people would you invite to a dinner party: Mike Tyson, Nelson Mandela, Cheryl Cole and Gordon Ramsey.
What irritates you: My wife's brother! Not in a malicious way but he is always round our house raiding the fridge!
What is the one sport you cannot stand: Bowls.
Finally, tell us something that not many people know about you: I actually find DIY quite relaxing and therapeutic.
