Darlington have competition for the signature of goalkeeper Sam Russell as a Football League club are keeping tabs on his situation at The Northern Echo Arena.

His deal at Darlington expires this summer and he is one of four players to have been offered a new contract.

Russell, Paul Arnison, Paul Terry and Aman Verma are all considering the one-year deals offered by manager Mark Cooper, but as yet none have put pen to paper.

The unnamed club interested in Russell, who are understood to be one of the largest in League Two, made a tentative inquiry this week and are prepared to make a longer contract offer than Quakers have made to the 28-year-old.

However, Russell is not believed to be agitating for a move away from the Arena after enjoying his first year back at Quakers.

He returned to the club last summer and enjoyed an impressive season, keeping 19 clean sheets in 52 appearances.

The latest shut-out came two weeks ago in the FA Trophy final win at Wembley, a game that saw Gary Smith sustain a serious injury.

He hobbled off midway through the first half with an injury that scans have shown to be a major knee problem.

The Teessider has ruptured his cruciate and medial ligaments and, depending on the severity of the injury, could be out for several months.

Smith is out of contract this summer and Darlington announced last week that they would not make a decision on his future until a full diagnosis of his injury had been made.

While Smith faces up to time on the sidelines, fellow midfielder Jamie Chandler is already looking forward to next season, with promotion clearly the aim.

He is spending time in the gym in preparation for 2011-12, and he said: “It’s important to keep the fitness levels up even while we’re off, because we all know what the top aim is next season.

“The chairman and the gaffer only have one target and that’s getting back to the Football League, and it’s an ambition I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of the lads this week and everyone is really up for it already.

“Our supporters have been fantastic. I met a lot down in London and the turn-out at the civic reception last week was awesome. They’ve stuck with us through thick and thin and have been superb.

“I’m sure as a club we can all work together and strive for promotion next season.”

n Darlington supporters have until June 1 to make savings by buying the early bird season ticket. Adult tickets are £275, with concessions £170 and under-16s £60. Application forms are available from the club, or can be downloaded at darlington-fc.net

* The Blue Square Bet play-off final takes place today between AFC Wimbledon and Luton Town at Manchester City’s stadium (3pm).