Odds: 14/1



Last Five Seasons

2005/06 - 8 (League Two), 2004/05 - 8 (League Two), 2003/04 - 18 (League Two), 2002/03 - 14 (League Two), 2001/02 - 15 (League Two).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup First Round vs Barnsley (a) - lost 1-0.

Carling Cup First Round vs Hartlepool United (a) - lost 3-1.

Football League Trophy Northern Section First Round vs Kidderminster Harriers (a) - lost 2-1.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu (striker) - 11 goals.

Players In

Patrick Collins (Sheffield Wednesday - Free), Martin Smith (Northampton Town - Free), Micky Cummins (Port Vale - Free), Barry Conlon (Barnsley - Free).

Players Out

Matt Clarke (Bradford City - Free), Akpo Sodje (Port Vale - Free), David McGurk (York City - Free), Joe Kendrick (Released), Adrian Webster (Released), Guy Bates (Released), Matty Appleby (Released), Jonjo Dickman (Released).

Darlington have just missed out on a play-off berth for the last two seasons and need to find that little extra to break into the top seven places in the division. Scoring goals was a problem as striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu, who left for Cardiff City in the January transfer window, remained the leading marksman with 11 goals.

Manager David Hodgson looks to have remedied this by bringing back former striker Barry Conlon to the Feethams on a free transfer from Barnsley. Conlon netted 17 goals for the Quakers in the 2003/04 season before moving to Oakwell and then Rotherham United last season for a loan spell.

Hodgson has also signed Martin Smith, who enjoyed a prolific season with Northampton Town in 2003/04 where he scored 15 goals. He has been playing on the wing more recently and netted four times last season and 10 during 2004/05.

The arrival of Michael Cummins was also a coup. The Port Vale midfielder had been touted by several Championship clubs but chose Darlington due to family reasons. He made over 250 appearances for the Valiants since his transfer from Middlesbrough in 2000 and was widely regarded as one of League One's most consistent performers last season.

Club captain Matt Clarke departed for Bradford City following the end of his contract although versatile Sheffield Wednesday defender Patrick Collins has been drafted in to plug the gap left in the back four. Collins made just three appearances for the Owls last season but enjoyed a lengthy spell on loan at Swindon Town.

Verdict

Darlington's goal scoring problem seems to be solved with the return of Conlon and the arrival Smith. Cummins is also an excellent acquisition and the Quakers may be able to squeeze into the play-off places after two seasons of narrow misses.