ALAN WHITE has handed Darlington a boost by becoming the first player since the end of Quakers' successful season to extend his stay with the club.

Manager Martin Gray is currently in talks with members of the squad whose deals are about to expire, but the manager had no hesitation in extending the Darlington-born defender’s stay.

White, 39, has agreed a one-year contract which includes an option in the club’s favour.

White, something of a local hero to supporters, was a regular this season, playing an integral part in the club’s promotion which saw them win promotion via the play-off final on Saturday against Bamber Bridge.

Gray also revealed that he will becoming part of the coaching staff, though playing will remain White’s priority.

The manager said: “I think he looks after himself now probably more than he ever did as a professional. He’s been outstanding this season and I’ve no concerns at all about giving him a new deal.

“He’ll play as long as his legs work and he’s performing, and there’s been no concerns about that. We’ll have to replace him one day, that’s not a concern at the moment.”

“He will do some coaching as well, long-term he’s going to be part of the coaching team.”

White was sent off this season, in defeats at Salford and Farsley in January and February respectively, the second of which led to a short spell out of the team after he had served a suspension, but Gray soon recalled him for the run-in that saw Darlington win nine of their last 11 matches.

“Alan White has been outstanding over the season,” added Gray. “Players can learn from him, that’s one of the reasons we brought him to the club.

“His discipline, since we had the problem at Salford, has improved and it’s like having a coach on the pitch. He wins big headers and manages players around him.”

Gray is expected to reveal over the coming days more news on additions as well as arrivals to the squad, which next will be in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

White made 39 appearances this season in the best defence in the division, keeping 17 clean sheets and conceding only 37 goals in 42 league games.

The Northern Echo:

“I’d said to Martin that as long as he wants me and as long as I feel fit enough then I’ll be there,” said White, who also played for the club in the Football League.

“If he wants me to not play as much, to be behind the scenes then I’ll do that.

“I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. My job as a personal trainer keeps me on my toes and as long as I keep away from injuries, which I always seem to, probably because I don’t run quick enough so my hamstrings don’t go, I’ll be fine.

“Eventually it will come to a point when they have to bring someone in, but until then I’ll be here whenever I’m needed.”

White first joined the club in 2007 and his first season ended in Darlington being defeated in the League Two play-offs, losing to Rochdale on penalties at Spotland, denying the defender the prospect of his first ever promotion.

After rejoining Luton Town, one of his previous clubs, he returned to Quakers on loan in 2010 under Steve Staunton before signing on a permanent basis in 2013 after leaving Harrogate Town.

Beating Bamber Bridge finally saw White enjoy being part of a promotion-winning season, and he said: “It means a lot to me because it’s my hometown, it means a lot to my friends because they’re massive Darlington supporters.

“It might not be the same standard that we’ve been at in the past, but it means the same, everyone gets a kick out of it. It’s progression and the start of something good.

“Whatever level you’re playing at you always give 100 per cent, so when you win things it’s great, that applies whether it’s Sunday League, Premier League or anything in between. You’ve played everyone at your level and you’ve proven that you’re better than them.”

White has supported the club all his life, attending matches as a youngster at Feethams while he was also at Wembley to watch the FA Trophy final in 2011. He received one of the loudest cheers when Darlington lifted the play-off final trophy at Heritage Park on Saturday.

“The fans have been fantastic all season and it’s lovely to give something to cheer about,” he added. “There was the promotion from the Northern League two years ago, but I think that was expected. This was a bit more difficult.

“It’s a lovely feeling, it makes you want to keep going, try harder and run quicker, even though I can’t run. It gives you something extra, the 12th man.”