You're in the army now lads!

When Darlington manager Martin Gray told his players that he was going to use this weekend to plan their assault on the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League they didn't take him literally, writes Ray Simpson.

The First Division North's newcomers should have. Instead of the fun team bonding exercises they had in mind after last summer's spot of paint-balling and quad-biking, the Darlo squad are currently praying for fine weather after their mischievous manager revealed they're all off to train with the British Army!

Gray is taking his squad to the Marne Barracks in Catterick where they'll be put through their paces over a gruelling 48 hours. Darlo say instructors have lined up a series of challenges and tests for the players, including drilling, cross country runs, assault courses and even a night under canvass while on patrol.

Gray said: "The whole aim of the weekend is for the players to get to know each other better. We've got some new lads in the squad and there's no better way for them to integrate.

"We had a similar team bonding exercise last season, and it worked very well indeed. The exercises and tasks they'll be doing will also help them build their physical fitness and mental strength. We're very grateful to Darren Sutton for organising the weekend and the army for allowing us to use their facilities."