PLAYERS union body the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) has denied that Darlington FC's first team squad has been released.

A statement issued on behalf of the administrators on the club website last night said the players had been released with immediate effect to cut costs at the debt-ridden club.

However, John Barnwell, deputy chief executive of the PFA, said the players were still under contract.

Mr Bramwell said: "If a player wishes to leave he can do. But it is a mutual agreement."

He said the PFA had only been made aware of the situation this morning and was still in discussions regarding the latest wage deferral.

Last night's statement said: "Following the end of the playing season and the expiry of the player deferral agreements and considering the reduced levels of income in the close season, the administrator has unfortunately been forced to allow the majority of the first team playing squad to leave the club with immediate effect.

"The decision has been made to enable the club to trade for as long as possible in order to allow any potential buyer as much time as possible in order to make an offer for the club."

Dave Clark, from administrators Brackenbury Clark & Co, said he was investigating the statement.