Leading scorer Tadhg Purcell has turned down Darlingtons contract offer and will leave in the summer.

The Irishmans current deal expires at the end of June and Quakers had offered him a contract to play in the Blue Square Premier next season.

But yesterday morning Purcell informed manager Simon Davey that he believes he can play at a higher level so wishes to leave The Northern Echo Arena.

Davey said last night: "He was offered him a good contract but unfortunately he wants to move on.

"I had a half-hour with him this morning and he believes he could play at a higher level. You can't blame him for that."

Purcell, watched by Preston and Swindon, scored nine goals in 22 appearances after joining in January from Shamrock Rovers.

But the 24-year-old will not play in tomorrows final match of the season, at home to Dagenham & Redbridge, due to an ankle injury.

Purcell was brought to the club on a six-month contract by Daveys predecessor Steve Staunton.

The short-term deal meant that Purcell leaving was always a possibility, though Davey added: "If he had been on a longer contract that wouldnt have been an issue.

"He has scored goals, he is out of contract and the club has been relegated so he has given himself the best opportunity to move up.

"Hes at an age where the next move is a big step for him. Is next move is most probably his most important.

"Wed have loved him to stay but we have to move on and my job is to make sure we bring somebody of equivalent, or better, quality as Tadhg."

Davey, awaiting an response for offers he has made to three different strikers, has reiterated his desire not to be held to ransom.

"Myself and the chairman are not going to wait for people to give us an answer. I'm the sort of manager that makes a decision and if people don't want that offer then I'll move on.

"I'm not having players say they'll mull over an offer, and then taking that offer somewhere else an creating an auction.

"That's not the way me or the chairman does business. We gave Tadhg sufficient time to make a decision, but I respect his decision.

"We wish all the best. He has had a good half season with the club and I'm sure he will go on and do well in his career."

Tickets are available from The Northern Echo Arena for Sunday's charity match which will feature a host of ex-footballers to raise money for Help the Heroes (1.30pm) Marco Gabbiadini, Craig Hignett, Gaizka Mendieta, Peter Beardsley, John Beresford, Rob Lee, Steve Watson, Colin Cooper, Kevin Ball, Steve Agnew, Paul Bracewell, Craig Liddle, Neil Maddison, Kevan Smith and Kevin Stonehouse are all set to be involved.

Tickets can be obtained from the club's ticket office and main reception at the Arena, priced 5.