It has now, officially begun! 
Stephen Warnock is a great addition! However, I will be throwing my support behind the #WeWantDeanWindass motion.
Welcome to Darlington Stephen Warnock!
Manning believes Ainge success is key
Quakers manager Liam Manning believes new recruit Simon Ainge will be the difference for the club this season.
The 30-year-old joined the club at the back end of last campaign, as one of Tommy Wright's final recruits before he resigned at Blackwell Meadows.
The striker spent the second half of last season on loan at National League side Wrexham, where he made ten appearances but failed to find the net for the Dragons. However, his record in the National League North is nothing short of prolific.
Previously a defender, Ainge was converted into a striker during his time at Harrogate Town, who he spent the previous two seasons with. Making 54 appearances for the club, he scored 35 goals - including 13 in 15 games last season prior to his loan move to the Racecourse Ground.
Ainge left Harrogate following their promotion to the National League after a playoff final victory over FA Trophy winners Brackley Town and joined the Quakers on a free.
In what has been hailed "excellent business" by Manning, the 28-year-old further said that the Bradford born forward will be "vital to the club's success" this season.
"When Simon joined the club, I was a firm believer in his abilities and believed it was a signing of intent. You just have to see his goal-scoring record in the past two seasons at this level to see the quality he has and the threat he possess to opposition defences."
"He brings experience to the team, as he knows this level well. He's spent the past nine or ten years either at this level or in the National League. That experience will be very important to the team as a whole, with a number of young players coming through the ranks, such as Mitchell [Glover]."
"I believe he'll be the deciding factor in our season. If he continues to impress at this level and find the net consistently, then we have to be considered a major threat to the league. However, there's a lot of quality in the league this season with the likes of Chester, Kidderminster, Brackley... you can't rule anybody out."
"The league continues to get stronger every season, but I think this season is the strongest we'll see for a while," Manning stated.
"It'll be a real battle at the top, I suspect. If we're in that battle then that's fantastic, but whilst we can be optimistic, we have to remain realistic. If we can build on last season and look to push into the playoffs, I think that's a job well done - but we'll see."
Replies
Jim: Let's get the show on the road!
Jack: What is your obsession with Dean f*cking Windass?
Griffin: What about the other two?
Is going to be an excellent piece of business, it's just got that feeling about it!
Devastated Ainge has left my local club Harrogate but if he's anything like the player irl he should be fantastic!
R.e. Dean Windass: His 6 appearances for Darlington deserves a place on the the backroom staff imo. #WeWantDeanWindass
R.e. Dean Windass: His 6 appearances for Darlington deserves a place on the the backroom staff imo. #WeWantDeanWindass
Edwards: "Darlo move is important for my career"
Following his recent arrival to the club, Liam Edwards has stated that his move to Darlington is "hugely important" for his career.
The 19-year-old striker was recently released by Championship side Hull City, after only joining the club the previous season on a free from Swansea City - who he spent three years with.
Born in Aberdare, Wales, Edwards has made clear that the decision to join the club was not easy, given the distance from his hometown - but understands that "sacrifices have to be made in order to make it in football."
He said, "It was a very important decision for me. Having been released by Hull, it was difficult as I didn't know where my career could be heading. But, I was lucky enough to be given an opportunity by Darlington. I had my reservations at first, but the ambition at the club helped win me over."
"I have a lot to prove. I'm young, but there are a lot of players out there that are looking for the opportunity I have. Albeit at a lower league, I have the chance to show my talent in the senior game and I am relishing the chance to do that."
"I've settled in with the group already. The lads at the club are very welcoming and we're all ready for the new season. There's been a lot of change in the summer, I'm led the believe - but we are all focused on the task ahead. I want to be part of the success that the club wants and we intend on delivering."
Replies
Jim: That's quite clever, actually.
Griffin: I hope so. He is likely to be our main man!
Jack: A lethal player to be fair. Windass isn't even on my game, unfortunately.
The club is lucky to have such a coach in charge that the players will succeed. I'm expecting European football within one year
Pre-Season Review
Pre-season has concluded and Darlington and Liam Manning can now look forward to an action-packed August. However, let's look back at what pre-season brought for the Quakers under new management...
Results
Darlo would play four friendlies over the course of pre-season, to ready themselves for the season opener against Curzon Ashton. They would first host East Fife, before travelling to Scotland to face Bo'ness and Sauchie, with the concluding fixture against Welsh side Holyhead taking place on 28th July.
It would be an unbeaten pre-season for the Quakers. A 1-1 draw was followed by resounding victories against Bo'ness, Sauchie and Holyhead - including a 5-0 victory against the EoS Conference side.
Jordan Nicholson would prove to be the standout performer over the course of July, with a double over Sauchie typifying the impact he had throughout. The 24-year-old winger was signed by previous manager Tommy Wright prior to his departure after spending time with him at Nuneaton on loan.
Transfers
Zidan Akers: Zidan joins the club as a first-choice right-sided winger. He joins on a free, following his release from Scottish Premiership side Hearts. However, the 19-year-old has the potential to develop into an exciting prospect, with great pace and dribbling ability in his arsenal.
Liam Edwards: Again, Liam is a 19-year-old who was released this summer - this time in the form of Championship side Hull City. The striker has a well-rounded game and should provide a good rotational option at a minimum for Simon Ainge.
Ellis Hudson: One of two loanees, Ellis is likely to provide cover for our main option on the left-flank - Jordan Nicholson. The 19-year-old has some experience, having played twice for Guiseley in the National League last year and previously Harrogate Town at this level. His dribbling ability is the underlying aspect to his game.
Evan Gumbs: Our final signing so far, Evan will be no more than cover. It was essential we found a player that could be brought in to ensure we have numbers and he fits the role. A good balance of pace and strength, the 21-year-old is fairly balanced and featured four times in the National League with Tranmere last season.
August Fixtures
The season is well and truly back. Seven fixtures to begin the season, starting with welcoming Curzon Ashton to Blackwell Meadows. We also face two local rivals in Spennymoor and Blyth Spartans over the course of August.
The month concludes when we host newly promoted side Altrincham and then travel to another newly promoted side in Ashton United.
Replies
Justice: No pressure then!
Darlo record opening day victory
It was a perfect start to life at Blackwell Meadows for manager Liam Manning, as Darlington coasted past Curzon Ashton with a 3-0 victory on the opening day.
The once Darlington supporter was appointed in June, following Tommy Wright's resignation and was taking charge of his first competitive fixture.
Curzon Ashton are once again tipped to struggle in the Vanarama National North - as they begin their fourth season at this level. However, manager John Flanagan, who has been with the club since 2011, has worked heroics to allow the Nash to survive.
It has been a summer of transition at Blackwell Meadows, as six debutants started. However, Darlo looked comfortable from the off and would put early pressure on Cameron Mason's goal. It wasn't long until the pressure paid off, as David Syers' effort from a well-worked corner gave Darlo the lead.
Curzon were limited well by a well organised defence, that sat high and remained structured to catch former Liverpool youngster Adam Morgan offside numerous times in the first forty-five.
It continued to be one-way traffic for the remainder of the game, as Darlo would double their lead in the 51st minute. Substitute Stephen Thompson would see his audacious effort cannon off the post, but ricochet off the back of the visitors 'keeper and find the net.
The visitors rarely troubled Jonny Maddison's goal, with their best chance coming through Adam Morgan. The forward received the ball, took it into his control and launched an effort from just outside the area, but it proved to be a routine save for the former Yeovil stopper.
The afternoon would be wrapped up in style, as David Syers doubled his tally. A good passing move eventually found its way to the midfielder, who carefully placed his effort into the left-hand corner, beating Cameron Mason from outside the area.
Following the game, Manning revealed his delight.
"A fantastic result to open the season and I am immensely pleased to do so. Starting well is often the key in this league. You have to get early momentum and look to keep that going for as long as possible. It's a real slog this league but you have to fight for every result and we did that today, in style."
"I have a lot of respect for John, he has done a very good job with his side. However, we were the much better side and the result is probably correct, in truth. We took our chances and now we look to get a similar result against Spennymoor on Tuesday night."
Incredible start with that many goals and a clean sheet to cap it off! #WeWantAnySortOfWindass
Great to get the season off to a winning start!
Incredible start to the season, Liam is certainly the Manning for the job!
Bradford seem to be the go-to club for lower league loans, it is nice to see you dip your toes into the market. Your knowledge of this level will certainly be of great benefit!
Bradford seem to be the go-to club for lower league loans, it is nice to see you dip your toes into the market. Your knowledge of this level will certainly be of great benefit!
You are reading "Liam Manning: Creating a Legacy".
