Darlington chairman George Reynolds last night assured fans skipper Craig Liddle has a long-term future at the club.

The Quakers chief has reacted angrily to suggestions the defender could quit the club when his current contract expires at the end of next season.

Liddle revealed in Northern Echo Sport earlier this week that he may have to look for a new club after failing to land an extension on his present deal.

And while Reynolds is keen to dispel any rumours linking the 32-year-old with a move away from the club, he insists negotiations will take place when the time is right.

"We're not in a position at the moment to offer a contract to any player whose contract still has at least a year to run," stated Reynolds.

"We have had lengthy talks with Craig. He has a year left on his contract so we still have plenty of time to speak to him.

"This is not the right time to start negotiating with Craig but we will be speaking at some point."

Reynolds has stressed he is in no hurry to open negotiations with any player who has at least a year to run on their contracts no matter how important they are to the club.

He added: "Even if David Beckham played for us and he still had a year left he would have to wait.

"It would be wrong for us to renew any players contract at the start of the season. It is something we will deal with at the end of the season.

"Why would we want to renew it a year in advance?"

Liddle has made no secret of his desire to remain with the club and has already made it clear he would like to end his playing days with Quakers.

"We want Craig to stay and hopefully we can sort something out at the end of next season," said Reynolds.

"Craig has made it clear he wants to stay and we want him to stay so there shouldn't be a problem."

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