DARLINGTON'S search for a striker took another cruel twist yesterday in the wake of Graeme Souness' appointment as Newcastle United manager.

Quakers' boss David Hodgson last night revealed plans were in place to bring an unnamed Blackburn forward to the club.

But following Souness' decision to leave Ewood Park, Hodgson has been forced to turn his attentions elsewhere.

The Football League and the Football Association will meet today, where Quakers will seek approval to come out of administration.

And that could free the shackles to allow Hodgson to make some moves in the transfer market.

"There was a player in place to join us when the embargo was lifted so that was a bit of a kick in the teeth," said Hodgson.

"Graeme has always been very helpful to us at Blackburn with players and hopefully that will continue at Newcastle.

"We have other players in mind, but until we come out of administration there is nothing much else we can do."

Hodgson has not given up hope of landing Middlesbrough striker Danny Graham, who will be available on loan in October.

Quakers reserves entertain Halifax tomorrow afternoon (2pm), where Hodgson will run the rule over striker Hicham Zerouali and former Charlton midfielder Adrian Webster.

Reports in Cheshire yesterday linked Quakers with a move for released Crewe striker Paul Edwards. The 21-year-old is looking for a new club after failing to force his way into Dario Gradi's plans this season.

Read more about Darlington here.