OUTGOING Darlington FC manager Dave Penney may return for the club’s charity match to thank fans for their support.

Although Penney was yesterday confirmed as Oldham Athletic’s new manager, he and assistant Martin Gray organised Sunday’s game and attracted a range of stars.

Gray, who will manage the Quakers for their final league game on Saturday and lead out the 1999-2000 play-off squad for the fundraising match on Sunday, has not ruled out Penney making one final appearance at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena.

The pair have attracted a host of stars for the match with former England, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough midfielder Paul Gascoigne as the main attraction.

Gray said: “Gascoigne is the biggest name in football in this country. For us to attract Paul Gascoigne to this stadium on Sunday was the biggest backing we could have achieved.

“That is no disrespect to the other players. He is the biggest ex-player in the country.”

More than 1,500 advance tickets have been sold for the game, with club officials hoping for at least 5,000 fans.

With administration not allowing the club to put season tickets on sale, funds from the match will be the key to the club’s survival during the summer.

Gray, who has spent ten years with the Quakers, said: “The game is massive. It is the biggest game of the season now.

“The charity game means everything. I just hope we get as much support as possible.”

Former players from across the region will be taking part in the match, alongside six people who have won a place in a bidding auction.

Darlington MP Alan Milburn will kick off the game at 2pm. Admission is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.