Source: Northern_Echo
A new start for Quakers
AS THEY finally emerge from their administration frustration, today marks the end of a turbulent chapter in Darlingtons history and the dawn of new beginning.[LNB] Following months of uncertainty they officially exited administration yesterday and now have a new owner and chairman in Teesside-based businessman Raj Singh.[LNB] His first game sees Quakers head to Aldershot Town for a match which represents a series of firsts, particularly for veteran striker Dean Windass.[LNB] While Colin Todd oversees his inaugural competitive match as manager and at least nine of the new-look squad make their Darlington debut, Windass will record a whole gamut of firsts.[LNB] Having enjoyed a near 20- year career across four different divisions, Quakers assistant manager will be playing in the Football Leagues basement division for the first time.[LNB] And it will be the first time he has set foot on Aldershots Recreation Ground pitch.[LNB] But Windass concedes that if he struggles to make an impact he could soon be playing in his last game.[LNB] Ive always said that if I couldnt do it anymore I wouldnt let my Mrs and my kids down by carrying on, admitted Windass. I dont want people saying look at him, hes finished.[LNB] If five or six games into the season, if Im feeling it then Ill stand aside and say I cant do this anymore.[LNB] But Ive never been blessed with pace so nobody can say that my legs have gone.[LNB] I think when youre a defender and youre 34 or 35 its hard because they have to chase people. But I just have to hold the ball up and score.[LNB] Windass will lead the line, alongside Lee Thorpe, in some new surroundings for the Hull-born frontman.[LNB] He made his debut in nonleague for North Ferriby in 1990 but until today Aldershot Town away had not been on his fixture list.[LNB] It is a fact the talismanic forward is aware of and he said: Apart from Aldershot and a couple of others I think Ive played at every ground.[LNB] Itll be another box to tick.[LNB] I did look once to see where Ive played, but then they started changing grounds. Its just one of those things you notice, its mainly my dad who mentions it.[LNB] Apart from some of the new stadiums, Ive played just about everywhere.[LNB] Itll be an experience considering where Ive come from but Ive played non-league and Ive played in the lower divisions so I know what its all about and I know the facilities arent always the best.[LNB] Youve just got to show a good attitude and get out there and play.[LNB] Not only is Windass aware of which grounds he has played at, he also knows his career goal tally is 20 short of 250, a landmark he would love to reach in what he says will be his final campaign as a player.[LNB] I never set any targets because you can fall flat on your face, he said. But Ive scored 230 goals in league and cup competitions.[LNB] Im telling you this now and I might change my mind by Christmas, but Ill probably have one more season then hang up the boots. If I can get to 20 goals this season and make 250 for my career, Ill be delighted.[LNB]
