Source: Northern_Echo
More selection problems lie ahead for Quakers
STEVE FOSTER's contract dispute is only the tip of the iceberg after it emerged that he is not the only Darlington player whose deal could lead to more selection problems for Steve Staunton this season.[LNB] Chairman Raj Singh has admitted he has already begun factoring the impact of relegation into his long-term financial plans and he's reluctant to commit the club to paying Football League salaries if they end up in the Blue Square Premier next season.[LNB] Foster is not the only Darlington player whose deal includes a clause that could trigger an extended contract and Staunton could soon find himself facing more restrictions on which players he is able to field.[LNB] Ahead of today's home game with Bradford, Staunton's assistant Kevin Richardson said: We looked at everything when we came in and as we were identifying players who we wanted to be part of the team we looked at contracts.[LNB] There are things in place that certain players have been given similar deals (to Foster) and God forbid we get to this position again. It's bad enough with one player we don't want other players getting in the same position and affecting the club.[LNB] Foster has a chance of being included on the substitutes' bench today but Staunton is expected to select a makeshift defence with Mark Bower thrown into the fray against his former club despite lacking match sharpness.[LNB] In an ideal world Bower would be given another couple of games to develop his fitness but the defender will line up alongside Danny Hall if, as expected, Ian Miller fails a late fitness test on his strained hamstring.[LNB] Staunton's number two has accused Darlington of being too nice and wants the players to develop a mean streak if they are to prevent their dismal season from ending in relegation.[LNB] We look weak at times and we need to toughen up,'' added Richardson. Players are making the wrong decisions and being punished heavily.[LNB] Teams are breaking through us. At times we look too nice. You look at someone like (Notts County striker) Lee Hughes, he was pulling and pushing, using his experience.[LNB] We lack that a bit sometimes.[LNB] Are we playing too much football and being too nice[LNB] With the goals we've conceded in the last three games it's not hurting us it's killing us.[LNB] It's hard to swallow but we are professionals and face Bradford in a positive mood.[LNB] Richardson admits that the management team were in a state of shock following Notts County's opening three-goal salvo that ended Quakers chance of taking anything from Meadow Lane on Tuesday evening.[LNB] The expected absence of Foster and Miller against Bradford City this afternoon robs the team of their most experienced figures. Richardson urged the players facing Stuart McCall's side to remain positive.[LNB] The lads must react positively,'' he insisted. If we go one down we must keep things tight and not give anything else away.[LNB] It was an unbelievable opening 15 minutes on Tuesday, I just stood there in shock. We came back into the game but it was too late. Credit for the players who didn't collapse, which is a plus. It shows the players are still fighting for the cause.[LNB] There are still lot of points to play for and taking something from every game is still the aim.[LNB] People say we have no chance (of avoiding relegation) but there are a lot of games. After the festive season I think then we may look forward to what happens in either scenario.[LNB] If we can get results this month then we can give ourselves hope going into the new year. If not, then the other scenario comes under discussion.[LNB] I'd like to think that it's still possible to catch the teams above us.[LNB]
