Quakers axe five

Darlington have confirmed their retained list for next season.

Quakers chief David Hodgson has informed Jonjo Dickman, Matty Appleby, Adrian Webster, Guy Bates and Joe Kendrick have all departed the North East club.

Meanwhile, Hodgson is to continue talks with Matt Clarke and Ryan Valentine.

"At this moment in time, only five have been released from this club. Until I sit down with Ryan and Matt to discuss certain issues with them, they are going nowhere," said Hodgson.

"I've said I will only tell players to their faces about their future and, because I've not yet seen Matt, people have assumed Matt is being released. But nothing is being announced until I speak with him.

"The only reason I haven't seen Matt or Ryan is that they have both been in hospital to have hernia operations.

"What I am not prepared to do is put a gun to Matt's head and say 'sign now'. There are one or two clubs out there that could give him a far greater financial package than we can.

"I need to talk to him about the future; about football and about finances."