Hodgson hits out at Notts

Last updated : 01 July 2004 By Richard Brown

Matt Clarke
The Darlington boss is outraged that County have meddled with his tactics ahead for the new season after the Magpies apparently gave up the hunt for Darlington's the 23-year-old player of the season, Matt Clarke [pictured left]. Hodgson is lashing out at the club after Darlo were forced to abandon their chase for former-Notts defender, Craig Ireland who Hodgson was chasing as a replacement for the supposedly departing Clarke.

With the words of Gary Mills in yesterday's Evening Post the best source to believe, the signing of Rob Ullathorne has placed a move for Clarke in jeopardy although Mills has yet to rule-out a deal for the highly-rated prospect to be resolved.

In a somewhat cynical view of the situation, Hodgson told the Northern Echo: "I'm extremely annoyed by what has happened," said Hodgson.

"I'm delighted Matt will be staying with us but Notts County have shown a complete lack of professionalism."

"As soon as they pulled the plug on Matt we had to pull the plug on Craig Ireland."

In other news, defender Tony Barras, who was told he will not be needed beyond the date of his contract, has signed today for League Two rivals, Macclesfield Town. The experienced centre-half penned a twelve-month deal at Moss Rose as manager, Brian Horton looks to build his squad for the forthcoming campaign.