DARLINGTON manager Dave Penney has described tomorrow’s televised match with Rochdale as a “shop window” for his players to impress prospective employers.
The club’s future remains uncertain while the bulk of Penney’s squad is out of contract in the summer, but even those whose deals do not expire for another 12 months would be able to leave at the end of the season.
The match at Spotland will be broadcast live by Sky Sports and Penney said: “If I was a player I’d have ‘for hire’ on the back of my shirt while I’m warming-up.
“That’s the situation, all these players are in the shop window whether they are under contract or not.
“All these players have to do is choose to not sign a wage deferral, hand in 14 days notice of resignation and then they can walk away.
“If was playing on Saturday I’d been giving it 150 per cent to make sure that people that are watching on television – people scouts and managers – can see I’m a good player.”
With no new injury concerns, Penney will pick from the same squad that drew 2-2 with Bury on Monday, and he will discover today whether Liam Hatch and Danny Carlton can play at Spotland.
The on loan strikers’ eligibility has come under question, ruling them out of the two Easter weekend games.
But the issue was last night being dealt with by Darlington’s solicitors and Quakers are hopeful they will be available.
Meanwhile, Penney says he knows nothing of rumours linking him a move to another club.
Bradford, Stockport and Barnsley have all been mentioned as possible destinations but Penney said “I can’t shed any light on that.
“All I’m concentrating on is these last three games, getting the season out of the way and going on holiday.
“Then we’ll come back and find out where the club stands.”
Rochdale have five former Darlington players in their ranks, but only one, Clark Keltie, started Monday’s 1-1 draw at Shrewsbury.
Winger Adam Rundle was on the bench, as was left-back Tom Newey who was on loan with Quakers in 2003 and played in the last ever match at Feethams.
Goalkeeper Sam Russell is out of favour while right-back Scott Wiseman is injured.
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