TRESOR Kandol's Darlington career may have been saved by a letter after the striker was last night told he still has a future at the club.

However, the 24-year-old will still face a hefty fine after returning to the North-East on Wednesday - six days after he was allowed to attend a family function in London.

It was revealed that Kandol had been involved in a car accident over the weekend, but it was not serious and manager David Hodgson thought the player would be available on Monday.

But after he failed to show at Darlington's training headquarters in Durham at the beginning of the week, Hodgson was left seething as Kandol missed Tuesday's defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

Yesterday Hodgson, Kandol and chairman Stewart Davies discussed the situation and, rather than send the on-loan forward back to Dagenham & Redbridge, the player will now receive, at the very least, a two-week fine.

"After speaking to Tresor and hearing the full events, we are now prepared to carry on with the loan situation," said Hodgson.

"The lad was immensely apologetic and he took it upon himself to write a letter, explaining what had happened.

"He was involved in a minor car accident, but he left the hospital without receiving treatment, which suggests he wasn't badly hurt. He didn't get in touch until Wednesday, which is not acceptable.

"While we're giving him a second chance, he has no choice but to accept a club punishment."

As the transfer window does not re-open until January 4, Hodgson would have been unable to replace Kandol.

"It's better for us that we've not sent him back because we would have been left with a striker less," added Hodgson.

Kandol will be unavailable for tomorrow's trip to Stockport after damaging his shoulder in the accident, although the former Luton Town striker will be fit to face Grimsby Town the following Saturday.

Kandol has yet to score in three starts for Quakers, but after earning a stay of execution Hodgson is challenging the forward to make amends for his recent demeanour.

"Hopefully, from this, we will get a player who is more determined than ever to make it work," said Hodgson.

"The slate is now clean and hopefully the boy can concentrate again on his football."

Read more about the Quakers here.