It has been announced that Quakers will take on Leeds United at the Arena on Tuesday 21st of July (kick off 7.30pm). Leeds have made frequent visits to Darlington for pre season friendly`s in recent years and they normally bring a sizeable away following with them which will be great news for Darlo`s finances.
It has also been rumoured that Darlington will take on Sunderland at the Arena before the start of the 2009/10 campaign though that as yet that has not been confirmed by either club. Brining a number of high profile teams to the Arena in warm up games would be a great move by the Darlo as the clubs finances would be significantly boosted while the fans would get the chance to see teams from higher up the Football League.
Billy Clarke who spent the first half of last season with Darlington is still being linked with a move to Notts County. It is believed that Clarke has had offers from sides in higher divisions so it remains unlikely that he will join the Magpies in League 2. However given that Notts County are set to be taken over by a middle eastern consortium a lucrative contract offer may persuade the former Ipswich striker to turn down clubs such as Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday in favour of a move to Meadow Lane.
Former popular Darlo centre half Matt Clarke will still be playing for Bradford City at Valley Parade next season as he has signed a 1 year contract extension with the Bantams. Clarke has a wealth of lower league experience and he can be relied upon to do a steady job at the back in League 2. I would like to see Clarke back with Quakers in the near future as he is a commanding centre half who always gives whole hearted performances.
