Darlington chairman George Reynolds last night finally cleared the way for Mick Tait to take over the vacant managerial hotseat.

Seven months after succeeding Tommy Taylor in a caretaker role, Tait finally looks set to land the job on a permanent basis.

The former Hartlepool and Blyth Spartans boss has made no secret of his desire to land the job full-time and now it appears as though he has done enough to convince Reynolds he is the man to take the club forward in its brand new 27,500 all-seater stadium.

"We still have a bit of talking to do but I would like to hand Mick the vacancy on a permanent basis," said Reynolds.

"This is a very big season for Darlington Football Club and it's important we appoint the right man.

"I have no doubt in Mick's ability as he has already proved to be a more than capable manager."

During his temporary tenure Tait suffered just one defeat in his opening 12 games in charge, in comparison to the paltry three victories Taylor recorded in Quakers' opening 16 games of the season.

And despite a brief flirtation with relegation following a bad run of results, Tait's side eventually finished 14th in the table.

"I was very pleased with the way the team picked up after Mick took charge," said Reynolds.

"He's very popular among the players and that's very important. I think he will make a wonderful manager."

Reynolds, meanwhile, has poured cold water on reports claiming commercial manager Michael Knighton has left the club.

"I don't know where these rumours come from but they are completely untrue," said Reynolds.

"He's been a great help to me personally and he has been a tremendous help to the club.

"He is still helping the club out and he fully intends to continue with his role as commercial manager."

* The club's new ticket office on Neasham Road, which opens for the first time today will also be open tomorrow and Bank Holiday Monday.

Fans who have held season tickets between 2000-03 can purchase for next season from today. They will go on general sale until a week later on Saturday May 31.

Read more about the Quakers here.