Busy start for Dean.

Byline: ANDREW WILKINSON 

[e-mail] DARLINGTON player-coach Dean Windass is set for a hectic start to the season with three games in three days - though he plans to play in only two of them.

The veteran striker will sit out his own benefit match at Hull on Sunday, because he is set to play in Darlington's League Two opener at Aldershot on Saturday, then in the Carling Cup tie against Leeds United at The Arena on Monday evening.

The benefit game when Hull take on Aberdeen is in recognition of Windass' two stints at his home town club. He also played for Aberdeen.

"I'm hoping the City fans turn out in their numbers, although I won't be involved in the game itself," said Windass.

Of Darlington's preparations for the season he said: "Although you prefer to be at home first, we're heading down to Aldershot on Friday and we'll do everything professionally. The lads are really chomping at the bit.

"They can't wait for Saturday to come. The players have been fantastic. We had two senior players at the start of the summer and we've scrambled a squad together, but we've got a good group of players now, they've responded very, very well and I think they'll do well.

"Their attitude has been different class. The majority of them weren't even getting paid until August 1."