Only four days after failing to reach the League Two play-offs 23 of Darlington's squad will today discover if they have a future at the club.

Instead of preparing for the first leg of the play-offs David Hodgson is already looking ahead to next season and, with so many of his players out of contract this summer it expected the manager will hold a big clear-out.

Jonjo Dickman is one of the 23 and he is keeping his fingers crossed Hodgson will ask him to sign a contact with the club.

No matter what the outcome of this season, with such a large squad - 32 were used this season - Quakers were always likely to carry out a player cull.

Bobby Petta, Craig Hignett, Curtis Fleming, Chris Hughes, David McGurk, Clark Keltie, Neil Wainwright and Keith Gilroy are among those whose deals expire in the summer - Clyde Wijnhard's contract expires next year.

As one of 12 players manager David Hodgson brought to the club in mid-season, Dickman made eight appearances during Darlington's play-off push and scored in Quakers' last day 3-1 win over Cheltenham.

The manager has admitted such a large squad is unworkable but Dickman wants to stay with Quakers for what he anticipates will be a promotion push next season.

"We've got a big and good squad," said the 23-year-old who one appearance two years aside, was only ever on the fringes at the Stadium of Light. "The gaffer will probably strengthen it in the summer so we can have a proper go at it next year,"

"I only signed until the end of the season with the possibility of signing for another year depending on how things went. Hopefully I've done enough to be here next season.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, it's been different class, even though we missed out on the play-offs.

"To be involved on a Saturday is excellent, it's what you train all week for, and when you haven't done that for so long I think you appreciate it more."

Alun Armstrong is another whose deal expires shortly but his chances of a move to Colchester has taken a blow after U's boss Phil Parkinson denied speaking to the striker.

He said: "Alun Armstrong will not be coming to Colchester, at least in the near future. We have not made an approach and we have not made him an offer.

"Alun was a player we were looking at earlier in the season when we needed an experienced striker.

"However, we've got Marino Keith on the books now and I have made no approach for Alun in the past few days.

"I did make an approach earlier in the season, but he chose Darlington.

"I will not be signing Alun. I suppose these stories have been put out by the Darlington manager to appease their supporters."

The striker still harbours hopes of moving up the leagues and he said: "I've not spoken to Colchester or any club.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Darlington but feel as though I can still play in League One an maybe even in the Championship."