DAVID HODGSON will not stand in David McGurk's way if the defender chooses to quit Darlington this summer, writes Lee Hall.

Despite recently signing a one-year deal, McGurk has been told that he will not be guaranteed first-team football next season.

The 22-year-old is available for transfer and York City are long-term admirers of the defender, who played seven games on loan at KitKat Crescent last season.

And, while McGurk would prefer to stay and fight for his place, the defender is low in Hodgson's defensive pecking order.

"If David has an opportunity to go on and play regular football then it would be wrong of me to tell him he can't go," said Hodgson.

"We've offered him a new deal, but he knows the situation and understands there are other defenders ahead of him here.

"It's entirely up to him, but I would have no problem with him moving on if there was a better chance elsewhere."

Along with McGurk, Matty Appleby, Jonjo Dickman and Ryan Valentine have agreed new one-year deals.

Hodgson will return from a family holiday next week, where he will seek talks to clarify the futures of Alun Armstrong, Craig Hignett and Jason St Juste.

Armstrong is expected to pen a short-term deal, despite a hip injury which could rule the striker out of pre-season. Hignett has put retirement plans on hold and is keen to extend his stay.

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp has denied interest in St Juste, although the winger could yet seal a move away.

Curtis Fleming is expected to train with Quakers during the summer and could sign a new deal. The former Republic of Ireland international is a target for Irish side St Patrick's Athletic - with whom he started his career.

Read more about the Quakers here.