Source: Northern_Echo
Quakers step up search for manager
Darlington stepped up their search for a new manager yesterday interviewing Mark Cooper about the vacancy.[LNB] Cooper was quick to inform Quakers of his interest in the post and the former Peterborough United manager was present at The Northern Echo Arena on Tuesday to see Darlington's match with Aldershot Town.[LNB] He is believed to have held talks with chairman Raj Singh, who previously indicated he would like to make an appointment as soon as possible, saying he wanted the new man to have the last ten games or so to assess the current squad.[LNB] Cooper is only one of several candidates Singh has interviewed to replace Steve Staunton, who was sacked on Sunday.[LNB] Also interested in the post are former Barnsley boss Simon Davey and Gary Johnson, who informed Quakers of his availability at the beginning of the week. He left Championship club Bristol City last week by mutual consent, but has a good track record at lower level, having previously led Yeovil Town from non-league to League One.[LNB] Former Brighton boss Russell Slade has been linked with the vacancy and Curtis Fleming remains in the running.[LNB] He watched Tuesday's game from the stand, as did former Darlington manager Mick Tait, who is now boss at Blyth Spartans, and ex-Quakers captain Kevan Smith.[LNB] For the time being, Craig Liddle remains in temporary charge and is preparing the players for Saturday's game at tenth-placed Shrewsbury Town.[LNB] The Shrews slipped down a place on Tuesday due to Aldershot's win in a game that saw young winger Josh Gray put in a man of the match display, despite only playing the second 45 minutes.[LNB] He came close to goal on several occasions and Liddle said: Josh is a confidence player and we tried to protect him on Tuesday, by putting him on the bench and choosing experienced players, because he's been a little bit low recently as things weren't going for him.[LNB] There's been one or two groans in the crowd, which doesn't help a teenager so I thought it was best to protect the kids, which is why we chose probably our most experienced players. That's not a criticism of Steve Staunton and Kevin Richardson, we just wanted to go for experience.[LNB] Josh was unlucky not to score. There was one in injury time that took a deflection and could have gone anywhere, but he just needs to show a bit more composure.[LNB] Liddle revealed that the South Shields-born teenager's progress is being monitored by rival clubs, though Quakers would receive a fee were Gray to leave as has another 12 months to run on his contract.[LNB] Meanwhile, Darlington fans have just over a week remaining to take advantage of a cutprice ticket deal for the last five home games of the season.[LNB] The five-match ticket will expire after the club's next home game against Hereford United on April 5. The deal enables fans to buy a ticket for any five of the club's remaining home fixtures at a reduced overall price.[LNB] The adult bundle is available for £65, which is a total saving of £25 on matchday prices. Over-65s are £40, Under-16s £20 (saving £20), Under-tens are £12.50 (saving £12.50) and family tickets are priced £150 (saving £50 in total).[LNB] The ticket bundles cover the last five home games of the season against Hereford, Accrington, Grimsby, Notts County and Dagenham.[LNB] Call the ticket office at The Northern Echo Arena, or ring 0871- 855-1883 for more details.[LNB]
