DARLINGTON manager Dave Penney will not be renewing his interest in Ian Miller after the defender was yesterday offered a new one-year deal at Ipswich Town.

Penney was keen to follow-up his interest in Miller, who impressed in seven loan appearances towards the end of the season for Quakers.

A contract extension at Portman Road had already been offered to the 23-year-old prior to his temporary switch to the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena in February.

And after Town boss Jim Magilton received glowing reports from Miller's short stay at Darlington, the central defender will be given his chance in the Championship next season.

However, Penney, who expected Miller to remain at Ipswich, will not be too downhearted with two other defenders in talks over a possible move to the North-East.

The club will announce its official retained list at a 2pm press conference today.

And, as revealed in yesterday's Northern Echo SPORT, six out-of-contract players will be offered new one-year deals.

Clark Keltie, Sam Russell, Neil Wainwright, David Stockdale, Ricky Ravenhill and Kevin Burgess have been told they have futures at the club.

In addition, midfielder Mark McLeod is expected to pen a week-to-week deal.

One player who will be at the club next season is club record signing Julian Joachim, who still has a year to run on his current deal.

The 32-year-old has failed to live up to fans' expectations following his £100,000 move from Boston in August.

However, the former Aston Villa striker insists he still has plenty to offer.

"The pace is still there which is a good thing and as long as I still have that I'll keep playing," said Joachim.

"You're only as old as you feel and I'm still very mobile. As long as I'm like that and not making a fool of myself then I'll carry on."

* Goal-of-the-season winner Eifion Williams and namesake Darren were yesterday among ten players released by Hartlepool United.

Long-serving midfielders Mark Tinkler and Darrell Clarke were also given free transfers.

The departure of front-runner Eifion Williams is the biggest surprise.

He netted seven times last season, including a memorable 25-yard volley in the 3-0 win at Darlington, a goal which, just hours before his release was announced, was enough to win him the goal-of-the-season award at the club's annual presentation night.