TOMMY Taylor loves the FA Cup and ahead of Darlington's first round clash at Kidderminster there is only one thought crossing the manager's mind - progression.

The Quakers boss, who signed a new two-year contract at Feethams yesterday, is hoping they can enjoy a good run in the competition.

Failure to get beyond the first round of the competition is something which Darlington have not had to go through for eight years, and Taylor is keen to see it does not happen this season.

"The FA Cup is fantastic," he said. "I love the competition and I would not say anything bad about it - unless we get knocked out!

"I also think it's brilliant for the players because they don't have to think about picking up points.

"I will be wanting the team to go out against Kidderminster with a view to going through - we will not be taking it lightly."

Taylor revealed that his depleted squad are also looking forward to the tie and share the manager's aim of going through.

"The players also love it," said the former Leyton Orient boss, who has drafted in trainees David McGurk, Adam Rundle and Mark Sheeran for the clash. "And they want to get as far as they can.

"The players see it as an opportunity to forget the League battle for points - it's just a one-off match where they are looking to do well."

Taylor makes the trip to the Aggborough Stadium knowing exactly where his future lies after putting pen-to-paper on a long-term deal.

And the ex-West Ham United centre-back revealed to Northern Echo Sport his reasons for finally signing terms.

"Initially it was best for both me and the club to wait before being tied down," said Taylor.

"I'm a southerner and I needed to see that I could move up here and so did the chairman.

"But I have now had some time up here and I have settled well and I'm very happy - I love it up here. Now I'm looking forward to taking this club forward and hopefully we can achieve a play-off place this year."

First, though, Darlington go to Kidderminster buoyed after recording their first victory in eight League games at home to Oxford seven days ago.

Earlier this week Harriers boss Jan Molby, whose side also tasted success with a 3-1 win over Orient, praised Taylor for his tactics.

Molby said: "I liked the football which Tommy played at Leyton Orient. "I think he will do well at Darlington. He will establish them as a good Third Division team and put them in the promotion reckoning.

"He has a good record of bringing players through and improving the squad. I know that we're going to have a tough game on Saturday."

Taylor is also expecting no easy ride when they are entertained by Molby's men.

"They had a great win at Orient last week and will be on a high," said the 50-year-old. "They don't really have any major injuries either. I'm expecting them to really have a go at us."

Taylor could hand midfielder Brian Healy his first start after he came off the bench and grabbed the winner against Oxford, and midfielder Mark Ford returns to the bench after his knee injury.

With striker Barry Conlon suspended, Richard Hodgson could be handed a more forward role. But new £10,000 signing Ian Clark, from Hartlepool, is not available until Tuesday's clash with Rochdale.

Taylor is still hoping to sign an unnamed Cambridge United striker. The Feethams chief has been in negotiations all week with the player and Cambridge manager John Beck and is hopeful of completing a deal.

"We are in real need of some more firepower," said Taylor. "Danny Mellanby is out and Barry Conlon is suspended.

"It looks like we might be bringing someone in on loan but I don't want to name him until it's secured.

Read more about the Quakers here.