Darlington Football Club chairman Raj Singh has confirmed that Mark Cooper will be unveiled as the club's new manager at lunchtime.

The former Peterborough boss takes over from Ryan Kidd, who had "second thoughts" about the job and resigned after just 12 days.

Mr Singh told The Northern Echo in the past few minutes that Cooper had approached the club about the post.

The chairman said: "What happened with Ryan was unfortunate. He just felt it wasn't right but we have to move on."

He said Cooper had been the club's first choice when Simon Davey was appointed manager towards the end of last season but he turned it down because he was on the shortlist for another job.

"I'm a great believer in things happening for a reason," said Mr Singh. "I'd rather this all happened now, rather than a few weeks time because it gives Mark the chance to get himself sorted before the season starts.

"We've told him about the players and he's mentioned two or three to us that sound interesting. He seems very happy with the set-up so we just have to get on with it."

The chairman said his own commitment to the club had not been damaged by recent events.

"All I've ever tried to be is honest with the fans and that's what I'll go on trying to do. I'm as committed as ever," he said.