Mark Cooper has explained that he has tried to help former Darlington midfielder Paul Terry find a new club.

The 32-year-old was released a fortnight ago with manager Cooper explaining that he needed to safeguard funds for players in other positions.

Being released greatly disappointed Terry, especially as he was given the news four weeks after the season finished.

Cooper said: “Paul was a great servant to the club. He did exceptionally well to recover from injury last season.

“But my priority right now is forward players and a centre-back.

“I don’t want to be spending money on an area which is already well covered, at the risk of getting the players we want in the areas that need improving.

“I’m sure it won’t take Paul long to find a good club. I’ve put a few calls out for him and we wish him all the best.”

Goalkeeper Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton soon followed Terry out of The Northern Echo Arena, but the decision was of his own making as he chose to sign a contract with Fleetwood Town.

The reserve keeper’s departure leaves Cooper requiring a new back-up to Sam Russell, but the manager wished St Louis-Hamilton well with the Cod Army.

“Danzelle has gone to Fleetwood for a reason and we wish him luck. We could have made it difficult for him to go there, but I don’t want any player who doesn’t want to be here,” said Cooper.

“You end up with a situation like we did last season, when you have a player who isn’t happy and it upsets the equilibrium of the squad.

“We don’t want that here. Danzelle made it clear he wasn’t happy in the North-East and he has family in the Manchester area, so he goes to Fleetwood with our best wishes and we wish him all the best.”