COLIN TODD has praised chairman-elect Raj Singh for his instrumental role in helping to bring the life back to Darlington this summer, writes PAUL FRASER.

Confirmation of Singh’s takeover of the Quakers is expected later this month and Todd has been told to operate as if the deal with outgoing owner George Houghton has already been completed.

With a first-team squad of 17 – including nine new players – starting pre-season training two days ago, the Darlington manager feels Singh deserves enormous credit for helping to attract fresh talent to the club. None can sign contracts until Quakers have officially emerged from administration, but all deals are verbally agreed.

Rather than just focus on the recruits and Todd’s work, the Darlington boss feels Singh should also be acknowledged for the way he has gone about saving the club.

Budgets have been trimmed and ambitions are more realistic, but there is a determination to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Houghton and George Reynolds eras.

“When I met Raj there was still a lot of uncertainty and we just had to hope he would get things moving in the right direction,” said Todd. “He has done, but he’s not going to go down the same route as in the past.

“People are going to have to understand things are going to be very, very tight, but we will work very closely together.

I have to adhere to the budget he’s given.

“At this level we’ve already seen what’s happened in the past and that’s why he’s going to be very cautious. I have to respect that, we all do, supporters as well. We have to be like a family and all pull in the right direction. We can’t please everyone. It’s all about opinions but we have to work closely with the supporters.”

Todd is still in the hunt for more faces, with a new centreback and striker his priority.

Former Bradford defender Mark Bower is one of those in his sights.

“I spoke to Raj and said I probably want 18 outfield players and two goalkeepers,”

said Todd. “That’s the squad we’re hoping to get. I’m not quite sure what the rules are but I have to cut my cloth accordingly.

“I could probably have brought 20-odd players in on £300 but that wasn’t the right thing to do.

“It’s important we’re on the same wavelength. I don’t think Raj has given anybody any big hopes or made any predictions.

“In the past I think the club has maybe been let down by saying too much. We all should be grateful he’s come on board. I don’t think there might have been anybody else. It’s important we all pull in the same direction and have a good rapport."