DARLINGTON Martin Gray has challenged goalkeeper Peter Jameson to become a ‘big mouth’ in order to continue his improvement since becoming Quakers’ No. 1.

For the duration of last season he kept previous No. 1 Mark Bell out of the side, the latter last week leaving for Bishop Auckland where he will revert to being first-choice.

Jameson will continue to hold that status at Darlington next season, with Jim Provett as back-up. The 32-year-old former Hartlepool United goalkeeper will continue his role as Quakers’ goalkeeping coach, passing on his experience to Jameson, and will also be reserve keeper.

Jameson kept 17 league clean sheets, but Gray wants to see a change in the ex-Gateshead goalkeeper’s approach.

“He’s improved ten-fold, but there’s still room for improvement,” said Gray. “He needs to become a big mouth now and start having that confidence and belief he’s the No. 1.

“That’s what I’m looking to come from him, be more commanding and laying the law down and having that arrogance about him.

“It comes in time, but he’s had a promotion under his belt and a very good full season as No. 1, he’s now got to kick on and do better.”

On Provett becoming Jameson’s understudy, Gray said: “Jim being number two is fantastic, to have someone on the bench with 100 games in the Football League can’t be bad.

“He’s still going to be doing the goalkeeping coaching, so it’s a two for one and he comes with great experience.

“As long as he keeps himself fit I’d be very confident about putting him in goal.”

Provett, from Trimdon, came through the ranks at Hartlepool, making his debut in 2002, and making 66 league appearances before moving on to Bury in 2007 and later dropping into non-league.

During the 2012-13 season he was man of the match for Norton when they played against Quakers on Boxing Day.

Including Provett, Darlington have added four players to their ranks since last season with Rob Youhill, Adam Nowakowski and Kevin Burgess all joining.

Gray is not done yet, but admits he is satisfied with the additions made thus far, saying: “I’m always looking. I’ve got one or two more players in mind, but I’m delighted with the business that we’ve done.

“We’ve brought in three good signings, all of them have played before in the division that we’re going into or even higher, so that tells you that we’ve been looking to push on.”

The next meeting of the Newton Aycliffe Darlington FC Supporters Group will be on Wednesday, June 17 at 7pm in the Iron Horse, Aycliffe.

A spokesman for the group said: “We are progressing as a group and I feel very positive in the direction in which we are going. We have an agenda which will include travel, new signings and ground progression to name but a few. If anyone would like to add anything but can't attend the meeting then please let us know.

“We always welcome new members with differing opinions but all are respected. Rest assured that everyone who is involved with this group has the club at their heart and wants nothing but the best for it.”