RYAN KIDD was installed as Darlington’s latest manager yesterday and immediately announced an intention to stay long-term.

He has signed a two-year deal to become the club’s fourth appointment inside 16 months, and replaces Simon Davey, who quit this week for what currently remain unknown reasons.

Kidd, 38, assistant manager at The Northern Echo Arena until yesterday, was unable to explain Davey’s shock departure, though it has been suggested that the former Barnsley boss has another management job lined up.

He has been linked with the vacant positions at League Two clubs Hereford and Stockport, though Kidd says he would not rejoin his former boss should he be offered the opportunity.

“If Simon got another job and offered me a role it would to be as an assistant – now I’m a manager, so do I want to step down to be an assistant again?

The answer is no.

“I am committed to this and obviously I want to be a success in management.

“I think you’ll find I’m a loyal and honest person and will do this job to the best of my ability.

“I like what’s going on at this club. The foundations are in place, we’ve got a really good chance next year of bouncing back – I want to be part of that and who wouldn’t be.”

Kidd arrived at Darlington on April 1, the same day Davey was made manager, and his appointment by chairman Raj Singh represents his first step into management.

He was previously assistant to Davey at Barnsley after a playing career, spent largely at Preston, that was cut short due to a neck injury.

As well as Davey, recent incumbents of the Darlington hot seat have been Colin Todd, who was appointed in May last year, and Steve Staunton, who had a six-month spell after taking charge in October.

“I hope to be here a while longer than some of the previous managers,” said Kidd.

“These things happen in football, you can’t expect it and the chairman has probably been tearing his hair out.

“I aim to do the best job I can for the club. It’s not a stepping stone for me, it’s my first job as a manager and I know how privileged I am to be at this club.

“It’s a task I relish, I am going to put everything into it and I have a lot of faith in my own ability.

“Every manager at some point has been at this stage and been asked the question do you want the job. You might never get the question again so you’ve got to take it.

“I’m really pleased with the decision I have made and I just want to get on with the job now.”

Although Kidd is now looking to stamp his own authority on Darlington, a question remains over Davey’s future and his reasons for offering his resignation by email.

He returns from a coaching spell in Orlando, Florida at the weekend and Kidd intends to speak to his former boss at the earliest opportunity.

He said: “I’ve had no word from Simon, so it’s all a little bit strange I must admit. I don’t know what’s caused it, there’s rumours all over the show but I haven’t a clue.

“We’ll have to wait and see.

I would imagine it will all be explained in the next week, but I really don’t know why he’s left and I will probably have a chat with him on Sunday when he gets back to find out where he’s coming from.”

Singh, meanwhile, hopes Kidd can continue where Davey left off.

Six players have arrived and 16 left since April 1, and Singh believes Kidd’s appointment offers the kind of continuity that the club requires.

“Ryan is the best option for us, given his involvement in player recruitment since joining the club in April, and we’re hoping he’ll be able to carry on all the good work we’ve done recently in creating a buzz around the place,”

said Singh.

“He knows the players that he and Simon Davey wanted to keep here, as well as helping to identify new signings this summer. He’s also had a big hand in trying to persuade three other players to join us who are currently mulling over offers on the table.”