While Darlington manager Mark Cooper is planning to changes to squad this summer, the playing surface at The Northern Echo Arena is already halfway through a makeover.

The pitch remained in excellent condition throughout the season, arguably for the first time since the club moved to the Arena in 2003.

Now Darlington are intent on further improving the playing surface, and last week groundsman Gary Ventress began work on a six-week re-seeing programme.

A new drainage system installed on part of the pitch last summer has been a key factor, resulting in a "better performance" by the pitch and Ventress says it will be in even better nick during 2011-12.

Twenty bags containing half-a-tonne of ryegrass seed is now starting to bed into Arena surface after 15mm of turf was skimmed off the top.

But the pitch will be ready for action in six weeks - well before the first home pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Friday, July 15 (7.45pm).

"There was a notable difference in the pitch last season," says Gary. "It generally performed very well, much better than in previous seasons, and justified the new drainage system that we installed last summer.

"It will help to make the pitch even stronger this year so we'll be looking forward to a brand new pitch in less than two months."

The match with Newcastle is one of three friendlies confirmed so far with a home with Middlsbrough taking place on Saturday July 23 (3pm).

Quakers yesterday announced they will play at Newton Aycliffe in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday August 3 (7pm).

The clubs faced each other for the first time last summer when a record 1,300 people turned out at Moore Lane Park to officially mark the opening of a new stand.

Aycliffe have since opened another new stand at their ground after winning the Northern League second division title and promotion to the top flight for the first time in their history.

More friendlies will be confirmed in due course, with ticket details to follow.