Darlington boss Mick Tait last night admitted defeat in his bid to bring Tom Newey to the club on a permanent basis.

The Sheffield-born winger, who spent the last month of the season on loan from Leeds United, has turned his back on a move to Quakers after failing to agree personal terms.

Tait had hoped to capture the 20-year-old, who will be available on a free transfer in the summer, after he impressed during a seven-game spell with the club.

"We've been trying to tie up a deal for Tom but unfortunately he won't be joining us," said Tait.

"He would have been a great addition to the squad but unfortunately he doesn't feel the offer we made him was good enough."

And while Newey continues his search for a new club with his release from Elland Road looming, his form in the North-East is sure to leave him with no shortage of interested clubs.

"He feels he can get a better offer elsewhere which at the end of the day is his choice," said the Darlington boss.

"I've followed the lad's progress over the last 12 months and I thought it was the right time to bring him in.

"The offer is still on the table so who knows?"

Tait will be hoping for a change in fortune later this week as duo Neil Maddison and Stuart Whitehead mull over new deals.

"We have 14 players who are tied up for next year and we're hoping to tie down a couple more," said Tait. "Stuart is back from holiday this week so we should have an answer from him shortly.

"Maddo has been offered a new contract and we should hear something from him this week as well."

* The club have confirmed midfielder Mark Ford has left the club.

Ford was on loan at Conference side Leigh RMI last season after losing his place at Feethams.

Quakers have decided not to renew the 28-year-old's contract and Ford could now join the Railwaymen on a permanent basis.

The former Leeds midfielder made 61 appearances for Quakers, scoring nine goals.