Darlington manager David Hodgson has said that if striker Marco Gabbiadini's heart is not at Feethams he needn't bother returning.

Quakers believe that Gabbiadini, the division's leading scorer last season, has agreed a pre-contract and is on his way to Northampton, who pipped Quakers for automatic promotion in the dying weeks of the season.

"If Marco doesn't want to come back to Darlington, then I don't want him back," said Hodgson.

"If his heart is set on playing at somewhere else apart from Darlington, and his mind is concentrated on joining another club because the financial terms are superior, then to bring him back would be counter-productive.

"I have seen many clubs fall in the trap of fighting to keep players who don't want to play for them. There's no point in us doing that."

Gabbiadini is still Darlington's player until at least June 30, but Quakers might still be able to demand a fee from Northampton on a technicality regarding the one year option in his contract.

"We believe we're right in the way we've acted, but Marco believes we've done it wrong," said Hodgson, who has rejected reports linking him with the vacant managers job at Notts County.

Assuming Gabbiadini does go to Northampton then the saga might have to be sorted out by the Football League. But what does seem certain is that Gabbiadini has played his last game for the club.

Northampton appear to be keeping their cards close to their chest.

A club spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned, Marco Gabbiadini is thinking over his move while he is on holiday.

"We'll find out his decision when he gets back in 10 days time or so. We are obviously hopeful he will sign for us."

Hodgson could have a replacement lined up for Gabbiadini. Dutchman Ton Kaak, available on a Bosman, is coming for a trial next month.

Meanwhile, the opinion of fans is split over the new season ticket prices.

Watching Quakers in the new season which starts on August 12 will be at least £1 per game more depending on the area of the ground.

Darlington public relations director Luke Raine said: "The chairman can't keep putting £150,000 per month into the club. It is losing money all the time, which is why we've raised prices. But they're still less than they were two seasons ago.