Source: Northern_Echo
Staunton making his plans
STEVE STAUNTON has begun planning for next season and admits that one scenario involves Darlington playing in the Blue Square Premier Division.[LNB] The Quakers manager regards tomorrow's encounter with Burton Albion as being the first of 31 cup finals that will decide whether a derby with Gateshead will be one of the more appealing fixtures on show at The Northern Echo Arena next season.[LNB] The visit of Paul Peschisolido's side offers Staunton an opportunity to build on his sole home victory, after overseeing a run of three successive defeats on the road.[LNB] Last month's stirring win over Shrewsbury Town may seem a distant memory, but Staunton believes the addition of left-back Stuart Giddings from Conference North outfit Hinkley United, will add an authoritative presence to his defence.[LNB] Staunton knows Giddings from his Coventry City days and the 23-year-old represented England up to Under-19 level. He was tipped for stardom when he broke into the Coventry first team as a teenager before a knee ligament injury almost ended his career.[LNB] After receiving assurances about his fitness, Staunton has handed Giddings a second chance.[LNB] The manager regards the standard of football in the upper reaches of non-league as being equivalent to many League One sides and has no hesitation in hunting outside the Football League for unearthed gems.[LNB] Giddings' arrival follows the capture of Nathan Mulligan from Northern League side Norton and Stockton Ancients, but Staunton revealed that he won't be making a move for either of the midfield trialists who were on show at Whitby Town on Tuesday evening.[LNB] Neither Leeds Academy product Josh Falkingham nor former England Under-16 Steven Morrison can offer Staunton the kind of experience his side need to claw back the nine-point gap that lies between them and safety.[LNB] I've known Falky from my Leeds days, but unfortunately we've too many players like him and Morrison already,[LNB] admitted Staunton. I need players who can come in and do a job from the word go.[LNB] Giddings is expected to start tomorrow, slotting into the left-back berth vacated by Moses Barnett.[LNB] I am trying to find the odd gem that other managers may have missed,'' he admitted. I don't think there is a hell of a lot of difference between nonleague and the top to middle of League One.[LNB] You often find lads that have been let go by Premier League clubs so they have a good pedigree it's just that they might have lost their way. And we're giving them a second chance. They should have all the confidence in the world if someone comes and plucks them out of nonleague to play at this level.[LNB] Ian Miller is in contention for a start after being given the all-clear after a head injury, but Mark Bower and Lee Thorpe lack match fitness.[LNB] You must have short term and long term plans,'' admitted Staunton. I'm under no illusions, this is going to be a hell of a fight so stay in this league.[LNB] But we have to make plans that we are staying in this league and we have to make plans if we don't stay in this league. There is no point saying oh but we'll be alright'.[LNB] You have to plan for every eventuality.[LNB] Win tickets DARLINGTON look for only their second win of the season when Burton Albion visit The Northern Echo Arena tomorrow.[LNB] And we've teamed up with the club to offer readers the chance to win two pairs of tickets for the League Two game, which kicks off at 3pm.[LNB] Early bird tickets are £16 adults, £10 concessions, £6 Under-16s, £3 Under-10s and £40 for families (2 adults, 2 children).[LNB] Matchday tickets are £18 adults, £12 concessions, £8 Under-16s, £5 Under-10s and £45 for families.[LNB] To stand a chance of winning just tell us which former Stoke, Birmingham and West Brom player is the current manager of Burton Albion.[LNB] Send your entries to echosport@nne.co.uk by 2pm today.[LNB] Winners will be contacted by phone so include a contact number with your entry. Due to time constraints we are unable to accept post deliveries. Usual Newquest (North-East) competition rules apply, one entry per person per household.[LNB]
