DAVID Hodgson yesterday released five players - but the Darlington manager has rubbished claims that Matt Clarke has also been shown the door.

Joe Kendrick, Matty Appleby, Jonjo Dickman, Guy Bates and Adrian Webster have been told they are surplus to requirements but, much to the surprise of some, it was reported yesterday that Clarke had also been released.

The defender is Quakers' captain and one of the club's longestserving players, having been a regular throughout his four seasons since joining from Halifax Town in 2002.

But while refusing to make clear whether or not he will offer Clarke, 25, a new deal, Hodgson has denied that the Leeds-born defender is on his way out of the club.

Fellow defender Ryan Valentine is also in limbo. The Wrexhamborn full-back's contract is up and he wants to stay with Quakers - unless his hometown club make an approach.

Hodgson said: "At this moment in time only five have been released from this club. Until I sit down with Ryan and Matt to discuss certain issues with them they are going nowhere.

"I've said I will only tell players to their faces about their future and, because I've not yet seen Matt, people have assumed Matt is being released. But nothing is being announced until I speak with him.

"The only reason I haven't seen Matt or Ryan is that they have both been in hospital to have hernia operations.

"What I am not prepared to do is put a gun to Matt's head and say 'sign now'. There are one or two clubs out there that could give him a far greater financial package than we can.

"I need to talk to him about the future; about football and about finances."

Valentine joined in July 2002, the same month as Clarke, but as he is aged under 24 Quakers would be entitled to a fee under the Bosman ruling if he were to leave.

Hodgson explained: "I speak with players throughout the year about contracts and Ryan has made it clear he wants to stay.

"However, in the event that a Welsh side comes in for him, where his friends, family and girlfriend live, Ryan has always told me that he would like to go."

Sam Russell, Simon Johnson and David Duke are still under contract and the remaining members of the squad, including Shelton Martis and Clark Keltie, have been offered deals, though none have yet signed.

The Bosman ruling also applies to Martis, Carlos Logan and Anthony Peacock. Youngsters Mark McLeod, Richard Logan and Alex Janes have all been offered professional contracts.

Ex-Darlington midfielder Antony Carrs, part of Quakers' play-off final team in 1996, has been released by Huddersfield Town.

Steve Thompson has stepped down as manager of Yeovil but will remain at the club as firstteam coach.

Thompson took over managerial responsibilities after former boss Gary Johnson left to join Bristol City and guided the Glovers to League One safety.

But, after talks with the board, it was agreed that a fresh approach was necessary to take the club forward next season.