Cottagers consider Main

Darlington striker impresses on trial

Last updated: 12th May 2009  

Cottagers consider Main

Main: Fulham trial

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Fulham are considering an offer for Darlington striker Curtis Main after the teenager impressed during a brief trial spell.

The 16-year-old, who has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, spent the previous week with the Craven Cottage outfit and is believed to have made a positive impression.

With the Quakers staring into the abyss having entered administration in February and with no viable bids received for the club, their entire first-team squad is facing an uncertain future.

Main, who is Darlington's youngest-ever player and goalscorer, has made 20 appearances for the club, with the majority coming from the bench.

Craig Liddle, head of youth at the troubled North East side, insists the administrators must make sure the promising forward is not sold on the cheap as they look to raise much-needed funds to keep the club afloat.

Enquiries

Liddle told the Northern Echo: "He's got a lot of potential and it would be up to the administrators to negotiate with Fulham if they do make an offer and a lot would depend on any future appearances he makes.

"But I don't want us to lose him for nothing. A lot of work has gone into improving Curtis and Curtis has put a lot of work in himself.

"I wouldn't like to see him go to Fulham for less than he is worth.

"There's other clubs waiting in the wings. There were three enquiries about last week from Premier League clubs."

Liddle, who has been placed in charge of footballing affairs at Darlington alongside Neil Maddison over the summer, believes Main has the potential to make the grade at the very highest level.

Leaps and bounds

He added: "He has been involved with the first-team squad on about 19 or 20 occasions this season which, for his age, is almost unheard of at any level.

"I spoke to him last night and he's enjoyed his time down there and is willing to speak to them if the offer is right.

"If he can keep his head right he's got a chance of making it. I've spent a lot of time with him and he's come on leaps and bounds in the last year.

"I'd be sad to see him go because he's a young player that I've spent a lot of time with over the last year, not just on the training pitch but off it as well.

"But if it's going to help the club survive then we'll gladly see him go."