BRADFORD CITY have confirmed their interest in released Darlington winger Bobby Petta, but boss Colin Todd will not be making a summer move for defender Matt Clarke.

Petta, also a target for Sheffield Wednesday, was one of eight players freed by manager David Hodgson last Wednesday - on the same day Clarke rejected a one-year deal at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Leeds-born Clarke was linked with a move to Bradford last summer, although Todd has no plans to make a renewed approach for the 24-year-old.

Instead, the former Middlesbrough manager will ponder a move for Petta, who failed to impress since joining Quakers on a free transfer in February.

"He is certainly one of my targets," revealed Todd. "He only went to Darlington to get games and he's a player that I've been looking at."

And, while Bradford have seemingly ruled themselves out of the running for Clarke, the future of the defender remains uncertain.

Hodgson will seek further talks with Clarke this week, although his wage demands could scupper any hopes the Quakers boss has of retaining the highly-rated stopper.

Out of contract striker Alun Armstrong is also set for talks with Hodgson. Armstrong has reiterated his desire to play at a higher level, but has yet to receive any offers.

Even if Armstrong decides to extend his stay in the North-East Hodgson would like to bring in two more forwards in time for next season.

Quakers were linked with a move for released Rotherham striker Paul Warne at the weekend. Oldham have also been credited with an interest in the 32-year-old, who spent two months on loan at Mansfield earlier this season.

On July 30 Darlington host Middlesbrough in a pre-season friendly and supporters are being offered the chance to play in a charity match being played beforehand.

Ex-Quakers such as Darren Roberts, Kevan Smith and Marco Gabbiadini will be playing in a Darlington Old Boys team, while the opposition will be made up of the winning bidders of an auction currently taking place on internet site, eBay.

The auction ends this afternoon. To register your bid for a place in the match go to the eBay website and search for 'Lidds'.

* Carlisle's Kevin Gray hailed the dawn of a new era following the club's instant return to the Football League.

The 1-0 win against Stevenage in the Conference play-off final ensured Paul Simpson's men are back where they feel they belong following their relegation from the old Third Division last season.

Even the most die-hard of Carlisle supporters would acknowledge they have been put through the mill in recent years.

Administration, relegation, boardroom wranglings and even life-threatening floods which haemorrhaged the club in January - United's recent history has been more akin to that of a soap opera than a football club.

But on one sweet evening at the Britannia Stadium, all the suffering was banished from the memory after Peter Murphy's first-half header sent Carlisle up at the first time of asking.

''I can't really explain how amazing this is but we've deserved it after everything we've been through,'' said skipper Gray. ''It's a total transformation from this time last year.

''It was a real blow when we got relegated and we were all gutted when it happened.

''We have a great bunch of lads here and we all believe in one another and the fantastic supporters deserve something to celebrate after a few years of disappointment.''

Read more about the Quakers here.