DAVID HODGSON last night called on Alun Armstrong's agent to "look at the bigger picture" before attempting to broker a money-spinning deal for himself and his client.

Armstrong will become a free agent on December 16 and Sheffield Wednesday are one of a number of clubs who have been contacted by Armstrong's representative, Phil Graham.

While Hodgson, as a former agent, can sympathise with Graham's working obligation to get the best possible deal, he is unhappy that moves are being made without his knowledge.

"I've been an agent and I can respect that they have a job to do," said Hodgson. "But some just don't look at the bigger picture and that has been the case with Alun.

"Paul Sturrock rang me three weeks ago to talk about another of our players and he mentioned that an agent had been touting Alun's name about.

"That was the last we'd heard about it until Wednesday, when we were told his agent had been back on to Sheffield Wednesday and was ready to enter discussions.

"I suppose we have to accept that his agent is going to be ringing around everywhere, trying to get the best deal for his client.

"I can't deny that Wednesday have spoken to us about Alun, but we've had no firm approaches for him."

Despite Wednesday's reported 'interest', Hodgson remains hopeful that he can persuade Armstrong to extend his stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium beyond his current deal.

The Quakers boss is delighted with the impact the former Middlesbrough striker has made since joining the club on a free transfer in September.

The 29-year-old is Quakers' leading scorer with seven goals this season.

"I've sat down with Alun and told him that I would like to keep him here," said Hodgson. "I know that he would like to play at a higher level again, but he's enjoying his football here so we'll just have to wait and see."

Meanwhile American midfielder Adolfo Gregorio has signed a one-month extension that will keep him at Quakers into the New Year. Gregorio has impressed since joining the club in September after a successful trial. The Californian resumed training this week following shin splints.

Skipper Neil Maddison will be fit to face Leyton Orient tomorrow, despite picking up a calf injury in the 2-1 win over Mansfield Town on Tuesday.

The Quakers squad were loosening up ahead of tomorrow's game with complimentary massages at Bishop Auckland College yesterday.

A new sports clinic has been opened and Hodgson revealed the players have been helping students nurture their therapy skills.

"They're just setting the place up so the lads have been acting as guinea pigs," said Hodgson.

"They enjoyed it the first time they went, so there was no hesitation when we were invited back."

* Quakers' League Two clash with Macclesfield at the WMS on January 3 has been brought forward to a 3pm kick-off.

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