JAMIE DEVITT’S departure from Darlington has been confirmed with the winger returning to Hull City in search of Premier League football.

The teenager was a huge success on loan with Quakers with his display in Saturday’s win over Shrewsbury Town the stand-out performance of his six-game spell.

He had still to make a first-team appearance before moving to Darlington and despite Hull boss Phil Brown informing Quakers that he would allow the 19-year-old to continue his temporary stay at The Northern Echo Arena, Devitt has decided to head back to the KC Stadium.

“We’re disappointed we couldn’t convince Jamie to stay a bit longer,” said Darlington manager Steve Staunton.

“I spoke to Phil Brown and he was happy for us to extend the loan, but Jamie has his own ambitions to break in to Hull’s first team, so we wish him all the best.”

Also no longer with Quakers are Tony Grant and Russell Hoult whose loans have ended, while Kevin Gall’s contract has expired.

Grant has returned to Carlisle, but Staunton expects to replace Gall before Saturday’s trip to Barnet while he also hopes to re-sign Hoult from Notts County.

Meanwhile, former Quakers assistant manager Dean Windass has announced his retirement from playing.

The 39-year-old is believed to be interested in the Grimsby Town manager’s job made available on Sunday when Mike Newell was sacked.

■ Craig Liddle will take charge of a youthful Darlington team when they host Northern League side Crook Town in the Durham County Challenge Cup. Among the players to be given a run-out are James Baxter who scored in the youth team’s win 1-0 at Rotherham United on Saturday.

Admission at The Northern Echo Arena (ko 7.30pm), is £3 adults and £1 concessi