Gray warns: McReady won’t leave cheaply (From Darlington and Stockton Times)
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Gray warns: McReady won’t leave cheaply
8:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Darlington FC
By Craig Stoddart, Deputy Sports Editor
NOT CHEAP: John McReady
Darlington manager Martin Gray has told clubs to think again if they are hoping to sign John McReady on the cheap.
The highly-rated midfielder shone for Quakers in the Blue Square Premier last season, but is expected to move on now that the club are in the Ebac Northern League.
He remains contracted to Quakers for another year as one of only two players at the club from last season.
The other is left-back Phil Gray, but although McReady's future is likely to be elsewhere, boss Gray has warned that there is no certainty about his exit.
"He's got a year left on his contract and he won't be leaving for free," said Gray, who admitted that York City are among those interested in McReady.
"He's been with the club for seven years, coming through the development section and the youth team, that's a lot of time, effort and money that's gone into him so he we're not going to let a club take him for nothing.
"We're not wanting silly money and we're not in a position whereby we're desperate to see him go. I'd like to help the lad out and further his career.
"But maybe clubs seem to think they can sign him for cheap, or that we're looking to off-load him, but that isn't the case.
"I don't know if he will definitely be leaving, any deal has got to be right for us."
Right-back Paul Arnison will not be with Quakers next season. Gray offered the 34-year-old a trial, but Arnison is expected to sign for another club in the first division of the Northern League.
Meanwhile, there is an day for fans of Darlington and Bishop Auckland today at Bishop Auckland's Heritage Park today from 10am to 4pm.
Supporters will be able to look around the ground and facilities and enjoy refreshments from noon.
Gray will attend with players and board members, while merchandise for both clubs will be on sale.
Quakers fans can also buy season tickets and invest in the community interest company.
Comments(3)
jewitt
says...
11:36pm Sat 23 Jun 12
monteforte
says...
10:41am Sun 24 Jun 12
The open day at Bishop was well attended the new season shirts prices are £38 for adults and £32 for children.
Many deposits of £50 to indicate an expression of interest for a season ticket were taken I was informed 300 to 400 were provisionally sold.
Martin Gray certainly looks up to the challenge ahead saying that the team wants promotion at the first attempt ;The players would give 120% when they pulled on the shirt, they are here because they want to play for Darlington F.C .& they will get paid what they're worth..
A very good day for DFC1883 lets hope they follow it up with a another in Darlington soon..
monteforte says...
10:45am Sat 23 Jun 12
The club is a shambles - was easier to succeed than to fail!!
How are we here in this ridiculous situation? when we had the world at our feet and a golden opportunity to do something wonderful, innovative and dynamic for both Darlington FC and the town...and the world of football?
The communities of Darlington, the North East, and the wider world of football were watching and supporting with pride and passion following the dramatic events of January 18th through to mid-February.
Dress it up how you like, but the dramatic downturn of events occurred following the transition from the 'Darlington Football Club Rescue Group' to the '1883 group' - it's been down hill all the way, until we are where we are now, rock bottom!
Stop patting yourselves on the back and get real. Playing with 128 years of history is no joke - this is a serious matter with significant implications and dire consequences for bad practice as has now been proven.
I am on this message board as me, Shaun Campbell. It is my choice to be transparent and open on here. I have no doubt that most of you on this site are are good descent people who genuinely want to contribute positively and get involved with the various discussions going on - you know who you are and I applaud you.
But, for some of you, it is easy to hide behind your tag names and insult one another and point the finger while you 'splash' over your keyboard.
Constant Blaming of Raj and the FA? for what? To find the answers to your questions about what has gone on, just look at who the winners and losers are!!
My advice? have the confidence in your views and the courage of your conviction to stand up and be counted as who you are. What's the matter, cat got your tongue?
Respect.
Shaun.
Above; open to debate ..