Darlington manager Colin Todd is keen to bring local talent into his squad as he prepares for the new season.
Smith, Lumsdon and Bridges linked to Quakers
Darlington manager Colin Todd is keen to bring local talent into his squad as he prepares for the new season.
Todd is unable to finalise his transfer plans until the Quakers exit administration, but has been working hard behind the scenes to agree deals with players, particularly those from the North East.
Former Carlisle midfield duo Jeff Smith and Chris Lumsdon are on course to sign on at the Darlington Arena, with striker Michael Bridges now linked with a move to the club.
Bridges, who has been released by Hull City, spent last season on loan at Brunton Park, with the Cumbrians as yet unable to agree a permanent deal for his services.
A move to Darlington would see the former Leeds striker link up again with ex-Tigers team-mate Dean Windass, who has joined Todd's staff as player-coach.
Trust
Quakers boss Todd, who experienced a similar situation when he took charge at Bradford while they were in administration, confirmed players from the region were high on his agenda.
He told the
Northern Echo: "No players can sign yet, it's all done on verbal agreements, which is just how it was when I was at Bradford.
"People have to trust each other.
"We're signing North-East lads who have played for other clubs higher up the league, have been released because they've been on decent money and want to get back to the region.
"What I inherited here was a system of money based on appearances, relocation money and agents fees which has all been stopped. So in that respect we have done well."
