DAVID HODGSON last night terminated the contract of striker Clyde Wijnhard.

The 31-year-old's stay in the North-East was brought to an end following a serious repeated breach of club rules.

Wijnhard has been given 14 days to appeal against the dismissal, although the former Leeds United striker has all but played his last game for the club following yesterday's surprise announcement.

Northern Echo SPORT understands Wijnhard had already received several warnings over his conduct prior to yesterday's decision.

The Dutchman was involved in a training ground bust-up with goalkeeper Bert Bossu last week, while his off-the-field behaviour has also provided the club and Hodgson with major cause for concern.

Wijnhard's antics came to a head on Saturday when the player failed to board the team coach after the Northampton game, instead opting for a lift with friends.

"Clyde will not be playing for the club any more, his future lies elsewhere," Hodgson confirmed. "The decision has been made following discussions with Clyde and the PFA.

"It is in the best interests of Clyde and the football club that we part. It is disappointing that it's reached such a conclusion, but now Clyde has the chance to try his luck elsewhere.''

League One side Blackpool have already made an approach for Wijnhard although Mansfield Town could also rekindle their interest in the player.

Despite ending last season as Quakers' leading scorer with 15 goals, Wijnhard has just one goal to his name this campaign - a penalty on the opening day at Rushden

But the Quakers' boss revealed his regret that Wijnhard never made the most of his potential at Darlington.

"We all know what Clyde is capable of and he could have achieved so much more with Darlington," added Hodgson. "He scored 15 goals for us last season and finished top scorer.

"He knew how important it was to do well this season, but he just hasn't been able to find the form we know he has.

"It is frustrating, but I hope he can go on and prove what a good player he is."

Hodgson completed a major transfer coup when he brought one-time £1.5m man Wijnhard to the club in September last year.

After a spell in Portugal with Beira Mar, Wijnhard returned to England and, after failing to earn a permanent deal with Sunderland, joined Quakers on an initial one-month deal.

Scoring four goals in his first five games, Hodgson moved quickly to secure Wijnhard's services until the end of the season. But, despite an impressive start to his Quakers career, Wijnhard struggled to regain the form, which warranted the initial deal, although the striker finished the season as leading scorer with 15 goals.

In February, Wijnhard incurred the wrath of Hodgson when he was substituted after just 31 minutes at Leyton Orient for his poor work-rate. Ironically, it was against the same side this season that Wijnhard was withdrawn at half-time after another lackadaisical performance.

But, Wijnhard's appearance at the Sixfields Stadium last Saturday was to be his last in a Quakers shirt.