Source: Northern_Echo
Darlington Comment: Hopes changed and expectations raised
THIS time last year stability was exactly what was needed at Darlington they certaintly got it and then some.[LNB] Twelve months ago the club had just suffered their worst ever season which included relegation from the Football League and a series of managerial changes that suggested that a revolving door policy was in operation.[LNB] So a seventh place finish and a win at Wembley meant 2010-11 was the perfect antidote.[LNB] Inevitably, hopes have now changed and expectations raised.[LNB] That was only natural after finishing last season seven points outside the play-offs and then making a number of astute signings.[LNB] Now at Mark Cooper's disposal are players of higher quality than 12 months ago. The likes of Joe Clark, Kevin Austin and Richard Offiong were long since jettisoned with proven Football Leaguestandard players now in the squad.[LNB] To supplement an already strong core, in have come Graeme Lee, Kris Taylor and Adam Rundle plus Chris Atkinson.[LNB] Lee is the player that was needed six months ago when Danny Hone returned to Lincoln (though had he signed then, it is likely Dan Burn would not have made his mark). A dependable centre-back, he should further tighten a defence that was one of the best in the division last season.[LNB] Taylor is a left-sided midfielder with a sweet delivery at set-pieces, speedy winger Rundle requires no introduction to Quakers fans while Atkinson is a highly-rated young midfielder on loan from Huddersfield.[LNB] But easily the most eye-catching in pre-season has been striker James Walshaw. He bagged 32 goals for Guiseley in the division below last season and has again found the net frequently in friendly games. A hat-trick last week at Whitby saw his odds on being the division's leading scorer tumble from 33s to 20/1.[LNB] That 6-1 win came a week after beating Middlesbrough 4-2, a result that will not have gone unnoticed among Darlington's promotion rivals.[LNB] That is not to say it has been an unqualified summer of success.[LNB] Quakers lost to Sheffield from two divisions below while Cooper conceded that he made offers for several players that instead ended up at Fleetwood, who have taken the big-spending' mantle from last season's champions Crawley.[LNB] Replacing Crawley and AFC Wimbledon are Stockport and Lincoln who strengthen the familiar feel to the Blue Square Premier. Of this year's 24 teams, 14 have previously played in the Football League and many of them feel that this, finally, is their year to return from once they came.[LNB] If it is to be Darlington's year, then it will have again been exactly what they need.[LNB]
