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Darlington return for pre-season training today with manager Tommy Taylor still searching for Paul Heckingbottom's replacement.

Quakers, along with many other Third Division clubs, have yet to sign a player this summer, and a full-back remains top of Taylor's list of priorities.

As Simon Betts can be accommodated on either flank, Taylor has scope to look at both right and left full-backs.

The manager was chasing right-footed Paul Harsley after he was freed by Halifax Town, but with a posse of clubs chasing his signature the Scunthorpe-born utility player opted to join Northampton Town.

In resisting Taylor's overtures he became the second Quakers target to turn down a move to Feethams this summer after striker Dene Cropper opted for Lincoln City after being released by Sheffield Wednesday.

Darlington's full-back department is light on numbers because, as well as Heckingbottom's departure, Phil Brumwell and Steve Harper were both released at the end of their contracts last season, while Mark Kilty has suffered another serious injury.

The youngster, who was used at right-back in one of his few appearances after recovering from a year on the sidelines with cruciate knee ligament damage, will be out for another lengthy spell having suffered from the same injury.

Heckingbottom made his decision to leave Darlington midway through last season and he is now free to sign for whoever he chooses on a free transfer as his Feethams contract expired yesterday. A first division club appears his likely destination.

* Freed Hartlepool United striker Anth Lormor could be on his way to Scarborough.

Lormor, freed by Chris Turner, is lined up for talks with Boro boss Russell Slade who is seeking a replacement for Darryn Stamp who has moved to Northampton.

Slade said: "What I want is an experienced targetman. I want someone who is tried and tested. I've spoken to a few people, but it may take a few days and I want it concluded during pre-season.''

Eifion Williams has been handed Lormor's number nine shirt at Victoria Park, with last season's leading scorer Gordon Watson taking the number ten shirt.

Pool have already been back in training a week and boss Chris Turner - who takes his side to Holland on tour next week - said: "It's done very professionally here so we can get the fitness, the team building and the togetherness before the season starts.

"I am very pleased at how the first week has gone. We have a good squad of players as I keep saying. They are professional players who have all come back at a good level of fitness. They are happy in their work; you can see that.

"This is going to be a positive season for us. Ever since the Cheltenham game we have been waiting for the first game of the season (against Carlisle)."

Read more about the Quakers here.