Darlington have appointed Craig Elliott as their new first team manager on a contract until the end of the 2028-29 season.
Elliott, who is 48, has resigned as manager of Bradford Park Avenue to take the post. The club said his appointment followed an extensive search and selection process, and that he will be at Tuesday night's home game against Oxford City at Blackwell Meadows. Darlington also thanked Bradford Park Avenue for their co-operation and understanding.
According to the club, Elliott has managed in more than 900 games. He began with Glasshoughton Welfare, guiding them to two promotions, and then led Shaw Lane to three promotions into the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2017-18. They also reached the FA Cup first round that season, losing to Mansfield Town.
He moved to Boston United when they were near the bottom of National League North and took them to the 2019-20 play-offs, where they beat Gateshead before losing the final to Altrincham. After leaving Boston in January 2022 and a brief spell at Matlock Town, he joined Buxton in December 2022 and took them from near the bottom to within a point of the play-offs.
Elliott joined Bradford Park Avenue in August 2024, after their relegation to the Northern Premier League First Division East, and took them into the play-offs last season. They are top of the table this season and unbeaten in their last 16 matches after winning at Morpeth Town in midweek.
Darlington chair David Johnston said: "I am delighted to welcome Craig to the club. He has proven experience at this level and I look forward to working with him to turn our season around."
Elliott said: "They're a big club with great support, and they want to keep moving forward. Just like me, the club is very ambitious."
Terry Mitchell will remain at the club as assistant manager. Further details and an interview with Elliott will follow over the weekend.