Simon Johnson admits he was not surprised to be released by Darlington, but hopes and expects his former team-mates will thrive without him next year.

The former Leeds striker was among 11 players shown the door by manager Dave Penney in the final weeks of the season, but his exit was hardly a surprise.

Johnson was frozen out in the second half of the season after performing a u-turn on his proposed move to Wycombe.

During the January transfer window Johnson agreed to join the Buckinghamshire outfit, and even posed in a Wycombe shirt, but then decided against signing a two-and-a-half year contract.

In Quakers' remaining 18 games, Johnson appeared just twice as a substitute and the 24-year-old says he was expecting the be shown the door.

"I knew I would be leaving a long time ago so it was no surprise to me that I was released, but that's football it happens," said Johnson who joined Quakers two years ago and scored ten goals in 76 appearances.

"Dave let me speak to Wycombe and, with my contract expiring at the end of the season, me being released was always on the cards.

"I don't hold any grudges, I have to take it on the chin and get on with my career. But I've got no complaints, I enjoyed my time there and I hope they do well next season.

"I've still got friends at the club so I'll be wanting them to do well. From the couple of signings that I've seen them make it looks as though they're going to have a real good go next season.

"It's always disappointing to be let go from any club, but the gaffer felt he needed to make changes and he wants to bring in his own faces.

"In this division he's been there and bought the t-shirt so nobody can argue with him."

Including loan spells, Quakers were the seventh different club Johnson has played for but he hopes his next destination will be nearer his Midlands home.

Having found his services in demand so many times before, Johnson is positive he will be offered a contract this summer.

He said: "I'm going to speak to my agent, see what options are available and take it from there. I'm confident I'll get a club, I should be OK, fingers crossed anyway.

"I'd like to get a club near the Midlands where I'm from, but beggars can't be choosers!"

For the third successive pre-season Darlington are to host Leeds United in a friendly. It will take place on July 31, almost a fortnight after Quakers play at home to Sunderland.

With Dimi Konstantopoulos finally confirming he won't be staying at Victoria Park, Hartlepool United's summer search for a goalkeeper is on.

The big Greek is out of contract next month but has rejected a new deal and will instead move to a Championship club.

Pools boss Danny Wilson has also offered a new deal to Konstantopoulos' understudy Jim Provett.

But Wilson needs another keeper and a long-term loan for Liverpool's David Martin or Newcastle's Tim Krul are among his options.