Todd has appointed Dean Windass on a player-coach basis

Darlington manager Colin Todd has admitted the club has been handed a difficult start to the forthcoming League Two season.

The Quakers face Aldershot away on the opening day, with the visit of relegated Crewe and last season's play-off hopefuls Bury shortly after.

"We have to accept the fixtures are out and we prepare in the best possible way," he told BBC Tees.

"But it tells everyone around the league that we're alive and kicking."

Darlington have also been drawn at home to Leeds United in the Carling Cup, with that game taking place on 10 August

With last season's administration and subsequent troubles the mood around Darlington has been sombre, but the expected takeover by Raj Singh, new management and the likelihood that the club will come out of administration has given the supporters new hope.

And Todd hopes to generate a few more smiles around the club, on and off the pitch.

"We'll have plenty of laughs and enjoyment, and we'll have our seriousness as well," he said.

"It's good to be back, it's good to have that adrenaline beginning to flow again."

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