Source: Northern_Echo
Darlington ambition impresses Austin
KEVIN AUSTIN insists Darlington's desperation to make an immediate return to the Football League has persuaded him to spend this week with the club.[LNB] Since being released by Chesterfield at the end of last season the 37-year-old has been considering his next move.[LNB] He has spent time training with Barrow, where he has been offered a deal, but interest from Mark Cooper has led him to the Lake District this week with Quakers.[LNB] Austin performed solidly in Tuesday night's 3-0 victory at Workington, took part in outdoor activities with the rest of the squad yesterday and he will play some part against Kendal tonight (ko 7.45pm).[LNB] The game is also likely to see Quakers give a run-out to trialist Paul Terry, brother of Chelsea captain John.[LNB] The 31-year-old former Yeovil midfielder left Rushden at the end of last season and counts Dagenham and Leyton Orient among his former clubs.[LNB] Cooper hinted he was keen to sign Austin after the win at Borough Road by stating Austin was outstanding at left-back.[LNB] And now the defender will spend the next couple of days just getting his thoughts together in assessing how strong Darlington's chances are of making a quick return to League One.[LNB] When the gaffer phoned and invited me up, I had a look around and at the facilities,[LNB] said Austin. I've played against Darlington many times before and I know it's a club which is geared towards getting back to the Football League.[LNB] Ambition is very important to me. I still want to achieve things. I don't want to just come to a club and peter out, I want to see my career out in the right way. This is for them (Darlington) to have a look at me as well, see if I'm up to speed and if they want me, so it works both ways. I'm still ambitious at this age and I'm sure everyone at the club is.[LNB] Given that early impressions are favourable on his part, Austin is also keen to make sure Cooper does not change his mind by underperforming at Kendal.[LNB] I was training with Barrow and Mark has shown an interest so I'm just keeping my options open, said Austin, who can also play left-sided centrehalf.[LNB] I've come to have a look at Darlington, see if I like them and if they like me, pretty much until the end of the week and we'll take it from there.[LNB] I trained with Barrow for two weeks and loved every minute, great bunch of lads and a great club. I hadn't signed anything which allowed me to come here, but I thoroughly enjoyed it there.[LNB] We'll have to wait and see what the outcome is and what the gaffer thinks.[LNB] Austin will turn 38 next February but remains satisfied he has plenty to offer at the back end of a career which has spanned ten clubs, including Barnsley and Swansea, and earned one cap for Trinidad & Tobago.[LNB] I've always enjoyed my football. If you're in this game you've got to enjoy it, he said.[LNB] I know that I'm coming to the end of my career, but I've still got a few miles left in me.[LNB] You try to do things right and a lot more players are looking after themselves.[LNB] You've got to eat right, keep your fitness up and train hard. When I first started out it was hammer and tongs in pre-season, but now it's more scientific, which enables players to enjoy longer careers.[LNB]
