Quakers boss has players in sights

Jun 2 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“It’s difficult for them but that is the situation we’re in. It is up to them whether they want to sign them, some of the players have decided not to but I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to keep some of them.” Alan White is the latest to depart the Arena for Luton Town, following Hereford United-bound Ryan Valentine. Todd has made returning positivity to Darlington a priority, and feels that the return of Singh to the Quakers is another positive step forward.

“From a football period of view, it’s great, positive news that Raj is coming on board. He’s a football man, a good businessman and it’s good for stability if we can retain someone who was here last season,” he said.

“For the people of Darlington this is another positive move, I think. I am not an expert on what happened last season or the fans’ relationship with George (Houghton), but maybe this will allow people to put things from the past behind us all.”

Circumstances have definitely improved at the Arena in the last fortnight as the club was brought back from the brink of liquidation in the middle of May. New recruits will be required and it will be difficult with the money that Darlington can offer, but Todd is confident that he will be able to deal shrewdly in the loan market and pick up the best of the free agents.

“It will be a difficult period for us,” he warned.

“But there will be other teams tightening their belts as well.

“We will deal with the wage constraints and budget we are given and try and do the best we can.”

Meanwhile, Windass’ appointment should be finalised when the club leaves administration.

The ex-Middlesbrough striker had been weighing up his options, including applying for the vacant Aberdeen managerial post, but is understood to have agreed to join Darlington as Todd’s number two.

The veteran striker is also thought to be keen to combine deputising for Todd with a playing role at the club.