Darlington chairman George Reynolds last night predicted a bright new future at the Reynolds Arena under newly-installed manager Mick Tait.

Tait was officially confirmed as the new Quakers boss this week, eight months after taking up a caretaker role following Tommy Taylor's departure.

And Reynolds believes the season-long appointment of the former Hartlepool boss is a step in the right direction as the club prepares to move into its impressive new 27,500 all-seater stadium on Neasham Road.

"We're giving Mick a full season to prove himself and I have every confidence he'll do a good job for us," said Reynolds.

"It's a massive season for the club and, like myself, Mick has big plans for us."

After a disastrous start to their last campaign under Taylor, when Quakers recorded just three wins in their opening 16 games, Tait was drafted in to steady the ship and suffered just one defeat in his first 12 games in charge, to stake his claim.

"If it hadn't been for Mick we could easily have been relegated last season," said Reynolds.

"Tommy Taylor didn't do a good job in my estimation and I was very pleased with the way Mick turned things around."

Tait, however, is likely to start the new season without defender Stuart Whitehead.

He has been offered a new deal to stay at the club, but Tait admitted: "I haven't given up on him, but he implied that the terms offered meant he would be looking elsewhere.

"He has told me that last season was his most enjoyable for five years. He loved working at the club."

Tait could now turn his attentions to James Sharp, who has been freed by Hartlepool and has already held talks with chairman Reynolds about a possible switch.

The Reynolds Arena opens its gates to fans for the first time on August 16, when Kidderminster Harriers are the visitors.

"We have already sold in excess of 2,000 season tickets and we hope to have over 4,000 sold before the start of the season," said Reynolds.

"I've been delighted with the response we've had from fans."

Read more about the Quakers here.