Quakers have finally completed the loan signed of Boro's Danny Graham. The move seemed to have come to a frustrating conclusion for Hodgson who tried to sign the player before only to be denied by an FA ruling.
Hodgson first missed out on the player when an FA ruling stated that academy players could not move on loan to other clubs. However Graham last week signed a professional contract with the Boro and Hodgson renewed his efforts to sign the player.
The deal lasts until the end of the season and has only been made possible thanks to the TASK (The Associated Supporters' Kitty) which was set up by the Supporters' Club and the Supporters' Trust.
This is the first time the funds have been used since the scheme was set up and Hodgson was quick to praise it's success. Speaking to the Northern Echo he said; "This move wouldn't have been made possible without TASK. They have been fantastic in raising funds to assist us and we are grateful. In our circumstances we cannot afford to go out and pay for players. The opportunity came along to sign Danny and it was one we did not want to miss."
Hodgson has been following the progress of the striker for some time and is delighted to finally have captured him. Graham is highly rated and scores plenty of goals for Middlesbrough's second string.
"He's a lad who I rate very highly and I'm delighted we've been finally able to get him," said Hodgson. "I tried to make him my first signing as soon as I came back to the club but we weren't able to do that. I've watched him on many occasions and he knows how to score goals."
Quakers now have several forwards on their books including Russell, Teggart and Conlon and Hodgson knows that this could help his selections later in the season. "The good thing is I have a healthy number of strikers to choose from. The next few weeks are going to be crucial so it's good to know we have strength in numbers."
ALSO... Darlington have offered a trial to nineteen year old Argentinian striker Leandro Scartascini. The youngster recently saw a move to Italian side Udinese fall through and has linked up with Quakers on Tuesday.
The forward comes recommended by Hodgson's contacts in South America and the trial is with a view to a full deal. Meanwhile other European clubs are monitoring his progress at Darlington and with Scartascini having Italian grandparents he would not required a work permit, unlike a certain Columbian player.
"Hopefully, if we like what we see Leandro will join us for next season," said Hodgson whilst speaking to the Northern Echo. "He holds an Italian passport but there have been one or two complications with his move to Udinese. In the meantime we have stepped in to take a look at him."
Meanwhile ahead of Doncaster Rovers this Saturday Hodgson has plenty to think about with regards to team selections for the match. "There are one or two players knocking on the door and I have plenty to think about," admitted Hodgson. "Doncaster have had an excellent season and I'm expecting a very difficult game. Whatever I decide will be in the best interests of the club."
Finally Darlington attempts to sign Daniel Graham from Middlesbrough on loan look to have come to an end. Hodgson has already seen a move fall through due to football league rules and now Middlesbrough want a guarantee that Graham plays first team football during his loan. With Conlon, Teggart and Russell all after a starting place it leaves Hodgson unable to offer such assurances.
"For all I would love to have Danny at the club we would not be able to bring him in under our circumstances," he told the Northern Echo newspaper.
Source: The-Tinshed.net
Discuss this story on our message board!
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon