Darlington are looking to strengthen their wafer-thin squad, manager Martin Gray has revealed, but admits to facing problems when attempting to lure players to the club.

The transfer fees demanded by Northern League clubs have proven prohibitive, although Gray insists the finances are available to add depth and quality to the squad.

“We are looking to strengthen, no question about it,” said Gray, whose team are top of the Evo-Stik First Division and on the back of a seven-game winning run.

“There’s no problem with money, it’s just a case of finding the right players. There’s not many around in the North-East, most are under contract so then you’re talking good money. Usually clubs are looking for too much money because we’re Darlington, so you end up putting the phone down.

“We do want to give the kids a chance, but we are looking for players, 100 per cent. I’m not bringing players in unless they are going to make us better.

“So for the time being we’ll keep working with that we’ve got and we’ll trust the kids.”

Youth team players have regularly been called up to the senior squad of late with several making their first appearances.

Matty Lovegreen made his first senior start in last Saturday’s victory away to Radcliffe Borough in the FA Trophy, while on the same day Nathan Stephenson’s debut came as a substitute.

Gray added: “Looking at what we’ve got, I’m really happy. But if get a few injuries then we have to be realistic and say that kids aren’t ready to play men’s football week in, week out.

“They’re getting rid of the nervousness by being part of it, being on the team bus and in the changing rooms. They’ve had time on the pitch so it can only put them in good stead for the future.

“Nathan Stephenson is a Darlington kid and was in our set-up as a kid three or four years ago before the youth section was closed down and then went to Middlesbrough.

“He’s on our youth team’s Btec college course and works with us every day. It was great to give him some time on the pitch.”

*Tickets remain available for the acoustic night with Trevor Sewell at the Travellers Rest in Cockerton on Saturday, organised by the Darlington Fundraising Group.

Starting at 7.30pm, tickets are £5 and available from the Travellers Rest, the Quaker Retail club shop at Blackwell Meadows or from Rob Duncan on 0798-5020578.

All money raised will go towards the Back To Darlo campaign.