JOSH Gowling has a close relationship with Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, with his strong links to the professional game one of several factors that made him the stand-out candidate to become Darlington's new boss.

Quakers chief operating officer David Johnston says the quality of the candidates who were interested in replacing Alun Armstrong is evidence of the club's "incredible pulling power".

But Gowling was head and shoulders above the other applicants and blew Darlington's board away with a hugely impressive and detailed interview, in which he analysed every game Quakers have played so far this season and also talked up the importance of the club's role in the community.

Gowling was confirmed as Darlington's new boss earlier this week, replacing Armstrong in the dugout, and will take charge for the first time in the bottom of the table clash with Gloucester City on Saturday.

Johnston outlined the interview process and explains why it was decided that Gowling was the right man for the job.

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He said: "We were very impressed with the quality of the applicants. We set some criteria out, they must understand the league, must have managed in league if possible, have good contacts with professional clubs and play the right kind of football.

"Against the criteria there was a lot in the list and getting the shortlist down meant good candidates didn't make the list, which was very tough. That just shows, while we're not performing very well, the incredible pulling power of Darlington.

"I was very impressed with Josh. We did two rounds of interviews. Josh was very, very impressive. Intelligent, articulate, very analytical, he'd analysed every one of our games, looked at the goals we'd scored and conceded, our possession stats in each area of the pitch against the the league average. He also looked at how goals had been scored against us and there was a very clear pattern.

"It was a very impressive use of data but that was just one side. He talked about the players and their strengths, areas of improvement but also about the importance of engagement with the community and supporters and the academy.

"It was a very impressive all-round performance."

Gowling also has strong links with professional clubs and Darlington might well serve to benefit from a close relationship he has with a couple of his former teammates.

Johnston said: "I was unaware he played with Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall at Bournemouth but he knows them very, very well. Whether that yields anything from Newcastle, we'll see, but certainly the manager coming in has to have good contacts with North East clubs and professional clubs to get players in on loan and hopefully on very minimal fees so if we need to improve the squad we have the contacts to do that."