Striker deal appears done

While the transfer of striker Mark Beck to York City has not yet been confirmed by either club, there are strong indications that the deal has actually been completed.

Darlington CEO David Johnston and and accompanying director John Tempest were answering supporters’ questions on Friday evening following a turbulent week in which manager Martin Gray resigned and was then followed by his successors Brian Atkinson and Sean Gregan departing just four days later.

Highly-rated left-sided player David Ferguson also made his exit from the club when moving to Bootham Crescent earlier today – and it would appear that team-mate Beck is going with him.

Meanwhile, Gray’s chief scout Harry Dunn is another apparently on his way to North Yorkshire.

“With the transfer of David Ferguson the player had a release clause in his contract that was met by York City forcing the move,” the duo explained to Darlington’s official website. “Coincidentally, we have refused to budge on a buy out clause for David Ferguson and Mark Beck which has net a significant sum for the club from York City FC.”

Regarding the loss of three-time promotion-winning manager Gray to National League North rivals York last weekend, Johnston added: “Martin resigned and it was my decision to ask for the gate receipts from a pre-season friendly [against York] as I thought this could generate around £10k to £15k.

“Time will tell whether this is the right financial decision but once MG wanted to leave and resigned, I wanted him away from the club so that we could move on.”