DAVE Penney believes changes to his backroom staff are inevitable after club physiotherapist Paul Gough left the club yesterday.

Quakers parted company with Gough after four years at the club and Penney has hinted that there could be more to follow Gough out of the exit door at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

The club expressed concern that Gough, the owner of three physiotherapy clinics, wasn't able to devote more time to the club.

And, while Penney has wasted little time in making changes to his playing squad, the Quakers boss also has plans for his backroom team.

"On the pitch this club is going through a massive period of change and it is inevitable that this will spill over into the backroom staff," said Penney.

"Every manager likes to build his own team, both on and off the pitch, and this is one area where I felt a change would be of benefit. I'd like to thank Paul for his contribution since I took over as manager and wish him all the best for the future."

Gough, 25, who will now focus all his attentions on establishing the Paul Gough Physio Rooms, which he has set up in Hartlepool, Darlington and Durham, said: "I'm very lucky and privileged to have held such a role for the past four years.

"I'm particularly thankful to George Reynolds for the opportunity he gave me. It's time for me to concentrate on my business and I wish Darlington the best of luck and hope they achieve their aim of promotion."

Goalkeeper David Stockdale yesterday agreed a new one-year deal with the club.

However, Clark Keltie has yet to put pen to paper on Darlington's offer of another season.

The midfielder's future at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena could be in doubt after he was stripped of the captaincy following the arrival of central defender Steve Foster from Scunthorpe United.

MK Dons boss Martin Allen will today be appointed Leicester City manager.