After an amazing escape from the threat of closure, Darlington Football Club kicks off a new season with renewed optimism today. Stuart Mackintosh talks to cheif executive Andy Battison.

When I last spoke to Andy Battison, only days after he took up his daunting new job, he was a man with more than enough on his plate.

Just over two months later, little has changed.

On May 28, we talked in his office at the Quakers' magnificent Neasham Road home. This time, the venue is different.

"We'll go up to the boardroom," he says, as we meet in reception. "I need to get away from down here, it's just so hectic."

He admits that when things get a little stressful, he usually takes a walk around the stadium to calm down, before returning to the hot seat.

It is no surprise, because steadying the Darlington ship after a turbulent spell in administration has been a tough task.

Loose ends from that troubled time still need tying up, players have been coming in and out of the club on trial, work on the ground continues apace and there is the small matter of the Quakers' opening league game against Grimsby Town to prepare for.

But the fact that the club is even in a position to fulfil this afternoon's fixture is remarkable.

After going into administration in December, there were serious fears for the 121-year-old club.

Ultimately, the Sterling Consortium - the financiers who loaned £4m to former chairman George Reynolds -stepped in to take charge at the 11th hour.

It is a whole new ball game for Sterling, which has faced criticism in the past after providing high-interest loans to lower league clubs.

But with no Russian billionaires charging along the A66 to take the Quakers off its hands, Sterling is now in it for the long haul.

"They (Sterling) remain totally committed to the club and its future," said Mr Battison.

"I do not see anybody coming in particularly quickly to buy the club. If the club has a successful season on the field, one or two people might look at it.

"But if it is moving forward on and off the pitch, it is Sterling who will have taken the pain, so why give it up if it's working?"

Looking round, efforts to reunite the club with the local community are clearly in evidence.

Mr Battison said that, given time and the patience of supporters, Sterling would deliver the goods.

He said: "The last four years just cannot be turned around in two months. We are doing our best for the fans. I do appreciate the faith they have shown in us by purchasing season tickets.

"I know they have heard 'keep the faith' plenty of times before, but all I can say is I do not have Superman's cape or a magic wand.

"I'm an ordinary feller who is a big football fan. I know what I want to see as a fan when I go to a football ground, so I am batting on their side. We will eventually deliver on the promises we have made."

One of the regime's first pledges after taking control was to appoint a fans' representative to the board.

Darlington Supporters' Trust is going through the election process, but the limits of the role must be clearly defined before it goes ahead. There will be no share-holding for the trust.

"The supporters' trust have issues with the club and we have issues with the supporters' trust that I would like to see boxed off," said Mr Battison.

"I would not want the supporters' trust, or any other supporters' body, to think they are coming in with an open book.

"I am not going to duck out of a promise, I just want to make sure the terms of reference are right both ways. We certainly want them to have a voice."

More directors will join the board in the near future. Mr Battison said a three-man "think-tank" of himself, chairman Stewart Davies and manager David Hodgson had discussed names and a couple of people would be approached again soon.

Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish, a close friend of Mr Hodgson, has been linked with a figurehead role.

Mr Battison said talks with the former Newcastle manager would resume once the season had begun.

He said: "We have had meetings and conversations with Kenny, and he has said he would be happy to give any support he can. It is a matter of public record that he is a mate of David's and we are looking forward to re-engaging."

Doubtless, Andy Battison will have taken many more strolls around the arena before the season's end.

But he said the club was slowly finding its feet once again, and a good performance in front of a bumper crowd today will go a long way to making all the hard work that has been carried out worthwhile.

Match preview - Sport & Motors Page 24