Alun Armstrong may have had few takers in the transfer shop window, but the Darlington striker insists he is just happy to be playing regular first-team football again.

Armstrong joined Quakers on a free transfer in September after being released by Ipswich. On signing a three-month deal, he did so on the basis that he could move on with the opportunity to play at a higher level arose.

However, Quakers boss David Hodgson has confirmed that the club has yet to receive an approach for Armstrong, who has scored four goals - including a hat-trick against Southend - in seven appearances.

And while Gateshead-born Armstrong has made no secret of his desire to play his way back up the Football League ladder, he is happy to let his feet do the talking.

"It was disappointing to leave Ipswich, but Darlington have made me feel very welcome," said Armstrong.

"I'm grateful to David Hodgson for giving me the chance to prove myself here and all I can do is repay him by scoring a few goals.

"I'm pleased with the way things have gone so far and hopefully I can continue to do well for the club."

While Armstrong is under contract until December, the former Middlesbrough forward may extend his stay.

"A lot can happen between now and then so we will just have to wait and see," said Armstrong.

"I don't think I have anything to prove to anybody, but if can score a few more goals, then people might start to sit up and take notice.

"I'm still only 29 and David knows that I would like to play at a higher level again."

l Former Hartlepool boss Mike Newell may again turn to Kevin Sheedy after his right-hand man at Luton last night walked out on the club, writes NICK LOUGHLIN.

Coach Mick Harford confirmed he has left Kenilworth Road to rejoin Joe Kinnear at Nottingham Forest.

Harford has quit his position as director of football and first-team coach with the Hatters to become assistant manager and first-team coach at the City Ground.

And Newell may now resurrect his partnership with Sheedy that was broken up when the pair left Victoria Park in the summer of 2003.

Luton are currently six points clear at the top of League One while Forest are in the relegation zone in the Coca-Cola Championship, but Harford said: ''Joe has been loyal to me, he introduced me to management at Wimbledon and brought me to Luton and it's a great opportunity for me to further my career.''

Harford was rumoured to be taking over from Kinnear but he added: ''Long term we all have ambitions but I would like to see Joe manager as long as possible.

''It's something I would like to get into eventually.''

Luton had hoped to hold on to Harford and he admitted: ''It's a massive wrench to leave Luton.

''It's 21 years I have been involved with Luton. I lived there a long time, I have a fantastic relationship with the chairman and that's one of the reasons that when Joe offered me the job six or seven months ago I decided to stay.''

Meanwhile, Chris Turner. sacked by Sheffield Wednesday six weeks ago, is in the frame for the vacant jobs at Shrewsbury Town and Notts County.

* Preston are poised to sign striker Scott Dobie from West Brom.

Albion have accepted a £750,000 fee for Dobie and the Scottish international now needs to finalise personal terms before making a decision on the move over the weekend.

North End have failed with a £500,000 bid for Tranmere striker Iain Hume.

l Leeds have completed the signing of Sunderland midfielder John Oster on a month's loan.

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell has been looking to bring in a right-sided midfield player and 25-year-old Wales international Oster fits the bill. Oster to go straight into the squad for Leeds' Championship trip to Preston.

l Ousted Notts County manager Gary Mills has hinted at the possibility of taking legal action against the Meadow Lane club.

The Magpies board relieved Mills of his managerial duties on Thursday but suggested alternative employment, possibly within the youth set-up, only for Mills to decline the offer.