Purcell to leave Darlington

Striker Tadhg Purcell has played his last game for Darlington after turning down an offer of a new contract. The Irishmans current deal expires at the end of June and Quakers had offered him a contract to play in the Blue Square Premier next season. But this morning Purcell informed manager Simon Davey that he believes he can play at a higher level so wishes to leave at The Northern Echo Arena. Davey said: "He was offered him a good contract but unfortunately he wants to move on. "I had a half-hour with him this morning and he believes he could play at a higher level. He's out of contract and wants to give himself the opportunity of playing in a higher league. You can't blame him for that. "We'd have loved him to stay but we have to move on and my job is to make sure we bring somebody of equivalent, or better, quality as Tadhg." Purcell, who has been watched by Preston and Swindon, scored nine goals in 22 appearances after joining in January from Shamrock Rovers. But he will not play in Saturday's final match of the season, at home to Dagenham & Redbridge, due to an ankle injury.

Source: Northern_Echo