Darlington kick-off the new campaign at Aldershot this Saturday. Having finally been able to exit administration before the season formally starts Quakers can finally concentrate on playing football.
With the long running saga of administration now behind the club Colin Todd's new look side can finally get down to business. They will start at Aldershot with the manager able to pick from virtually a fully fit squad. Given some of the injury woes faced by the club in recent years it makes a refreshing change.
Only youngsters Curtis Main and Josh Gray are likely to be absent from the team. Skipper Steve Foster was unable to take part in much of the pre-season campaign. The defender though did make his return to action in the final friendly game at Bradford Park Avenue. This means he should be able take his place alongside Ian Miller in the heart of the Darlington defence tomorrow.
Darlington will also be boosted by the signings of midfielder Jamie Chandler and striker David Dowson. The pair arrive on loan from fellow North East side Sunderland and will go straight into the squad for the long trip South.
Aldershot meanwhile will be looking to build upon last season's respectable fifteenth place finish. The club enjoyed an exciting start to their historic return to the Football League but found the going tougher later on. If they are to better last season's finish then they will have to improve at the back.
With that in mind Aldershot may well be sporting a new shape for the league opener. The club are expected to line up with three players in central midfield.
"The players know the 4-4-2 system really well already," said Shots boss Gary Waddock, speaking. "And now they can use the new system too. We can chop and change according to the situation. We let in far too many goals last season and it needed addressing, hence the new options. It definitely makes us more solid with John Halls or Lewis Chalmers screening in front of the back four. It will help shore things up, especially away from home."
"Darlington will be very tough opponents. They are a good team, with a good management and will be determined to have something to show from their long journey. But we know that we can cause problems for teams at home and that is why I was delighted to get a home match to start the season."
Darlington's game at Aldershot will kick-off at 3pm.
