Darlington FC 2007-08 Season preview By Chris Sykes.

Darlington chairman George Houghton only a few weeks ago insisted that this is the year Darlington finally get promoted. But this time last year, he said the same thing and look what happened, Darlington came 11th and Houghton had dismissed David Hodgson by the beginning of October. New manager, former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney, made it clear that he wasn't impressed with the quality of the squad. This was the same squad that George Houghton claimed would win promotion to League 1. During the summer break, Penney has drastically reformed the squad with 11 players coming in and 10 going out.

Out of those 11 new signings, 6 are defenders. During the 2006-07 campaign, Darlington's defence was the most problematic for the Quakers. So, understandably, Dave Penney has focused his rebuilding on the defence. The most impressive capture is that of Scunthorpe's captain and Player of the Season Steve Foster. Foster elected to join The Quakers ahead signing a new contract at Championship side Scunthorpe. Foster will take over the captains armband from Clark Keltie.

Also reinforcing Darlington's defence are Notts County's Alan White, former Barnsley defender Neil Austin, Hull's Scott Wiseman, Ian Miller from Ipswich on loan and ex-Hartlepool man John Brackstone.

The Quakers have signed goalkeeper Andy Oakes. This then caused Sam Russell to depart, fearing he would not get regular first team action. Darlington have also equalled their record transfer fee by signing Pawel Abbott for £100,000 and Ian Harty has also arrived at Darlington on a free transfer. 2 midfielders, Rob Purdie and Kevin McBride, have also been added to the Quakers squad. Dave Penney wants to add 2 or 3 more players before the season opener at home to Wrexham.

The summer also saw several players leave. As well as Sam Russell, Dave Rowson, Carlos Logan, Lee Jones, Brian Close and Simon Johnson are just some of the players to have left the Darlington Arena. Joint record signing Julian Joachim looks set to leave after a disappointing season with Lincoln City interested.

Preparations for Darlington's 18th consecutive season in the same league haven't gone smoothly. In addition to injuries to key players like captain Steve Foster, Darlington have won only one of their pre-season friendlies. Darlington could only manage a 3-3 draw at Durham City. Defeats to Sunderland(2-0), Gretna(2-0), Middlesbrough(2-0) and Leeds(1-0) followed with only a 6-0 win at Horden Darlington's only victory. There are only friendlies at Billingham Synthonia(August 4th ) and Whitby Town(August 7th ) remaining for Darlington to gain match practice before the season starts on August 11th.

Despite a poor pre-season, I agree with George Houghton that this is the year Darlington finally get promoted. With quality signings, a top class manager and a chairmen willing to put up funds, this is Darlington's best chance yet to get out of League 2. There are going to be other teams challenging this season, Peterborough United are favourites to win the league this year, but Darlington have masses of potential. Now, it is time to turn that potential into success.

My Prediction: Play-offs but challenging for automatic promotion.

Strongest Team Oakes Austin Foster White Ryan Wainwright Cummins Ravenhill Smith Abbott Wright