DAVID HODGSON has revealed his admiration for Alun Armstrong and last night refused to rule out the striker making a shock return to Darlington.
Armstrong has emerged as one of several possible transfer targets Hodgson has earmarked after terminating the contract of Clyde Wijnhard last week.
Hodgson's renewed interest in Armstrong comes as an unlikely revelation, given the striker failed to earn a new contract with the club in June.
Despite scoring 11 goals in 32 appearances, Armstrong was deemed surplus to requirements after a number of injury setbacks last season.
Wycombe Wanderers are also interested in the 30-year-old, who was on trial with Oxford during the summer. Armstrong has been training with Colchester, who are considering a permanent deal for the former Middlesbrough striker.
Armstrong is back to full fitness after recovering from a hip injury during the summer and has featured for Colchester's reserves this season.
"I'm a big fan of Alun Armstrong and he's a player any manager at this level would be interested in," admitted Hodgson.
"I know that he's been training with Colchester, but we are keeping an eye on him."
And, while Hodgson would like to add a fourth striker to his books following Wijnhard's departure, the Quakers boss is willing to bide his time.
He said: "We are looking at a number of players, but we're not rushing into anything at the moment. We have (Akpo) Sodje, Guy (Ndumbu-Nsungu) and (Simon) Johnson, so we do have options."
Grimsby Town are the latest club to be linked with Wijnhard. The 31-year-old is keen to stay in the English game and has also attracted interest from Blackpool and Mansfield.
Darlington reserves beat York 4-2 last night.
* Darlington Supporters' Club are holding a race night in aid of youth development on Saturday, October 22 in the Ron Greener Lounge. Tickets are £4 and include supper, with the first race beginning at 8.15pm. Martin Gray and Mick Tait are expected to attend, along with youth team members.
* Oxford have been fined by the Football League following a mix-up over their kit during the goalless draw at Barnet on October 1.
The Us took only their black away strip to Underhill, not realising that Barnet had changed their home kit to black this season, and were forced to play the match in their orange training shirts and socks.
* Neil Warnock will take his time before deciding whether to contest a Football Association charge of using abusive words towards a match official.
The FA have charged the Sheffield United boss for his recent outburst at the Madejski Stadium where his side went down 2-1 to Reading in a top-of-the-table clash.
''I won't be doing anything about it at the moment,'' Warnock, who has steered his side to the top of the Championship, said.
''I've got other things on my mind and don't want to rush into anything. I'll be thinking it over and looking at all the evidence before I decide what to do over the next couple of weeks.''
Warnock was reported by referee Grant Hegley for foul and abusive language after seeing his side's late penalty appeal turned down against Reading, who went on to win with a last-minute goal.
Warnock has until October 21 to respond to the charge.
* Wes Brown has been pencilled in for a first-team return in Manchester United's Carling Cup clash with Barnet on October 26.
The England defender has been absent for six weeks since picking up a knee injury in United's Champions League qualifying win over Debrecen at the end of August.
Read more about the Quakers here.
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