DARLINGTON'S summer squad rebuilding began in earnest yesterday when manager David Hodgson pointed several of his players towards the exit door while he offered several others new contracts.

With the majority of the squad out of contract Hodgson has mulled over his many options since the final game ten days ago.

The squad returned from holiday on Monday and yesterday Hodgson informed them all of their fate. But by last night one of those being released had not been contacted so the manager is delaying announcing his retained list until today.

Hodgson made it clear that until he speaks to the player in question he does not want to reveal the identities of those no longer required at the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

He was also unable to say who had been offered a contract.

Hodgson said: "I have got one to see and until I see that person I am not going to disclose who is coming and who is going. I will never let a player find out about his future through the media, Teletext or Sky, I just won't do it.

"Today is the worst day of the year for me, having to tell players they are being released. These are players that I get on with very well and then you sit them down and tell them there is nothing for them next season because the football club has to move on to another level. It's not easy.

"Some managers don't do it, some send letters, some send a text message, but we do it all face to face.

"I've made offers to several players and hopefully they will accept them because if they don't then we could see seven or eight out of contract.

"All of them are saying that they've also got to speak to other clubs."

Two of those staying are Joey Hutchinson and Brian Close, who were both injured for much of last season but have been offered new deals.

Hodgson has ruled out any possibility of striker Clyde Wijnhard returning.

The Dutchman is available after being released by Macclesfield Town but was a regular in the stands at Quakers' home matches during the latter part of last season, when he was injured.

When asked about Wijnhard returning, Hodgson said: "No chance."

Meanwhile, there are no plans for Darlington's pitch to be re-laid this summer.

Chester are to appoint Graham Barrow as assistant manager when boss Mark Wright returns from holiday. Former manager and player Barrow, a popular figure with City fans, has agreed the move.