DARLINGTON are to support a move to have Barnet re-instated in the Football League.

Torquay chairman Mike Bateson, whose club escaped relegation from the League at Barnet's expense last Saturday, already has the support of several clubs in a bid to save the Londoners from the drop, and instead inflict further punishment on Chesterfield.

Darlington Director of Football Luke Raine, speaking about the proposals, said: "We haven't been approached yet, but if we are, then we will support it.

"We believe that the punishment on Chesterfield wasn't as severe as it should have been, and we will support the general consensus of opinion."

Bateson is seeking legal advice in order to prompt a judicial review of the Chesterfield affair.

Meanwhile, it looks as if Darlington assistant manager Mick Tait has escaped further punishment from the Football Association after being sent from the dugout during the game against Hull City a fortnight ago.

Tait ran along the touchline to confront referee Mark Cowburn following a clash between Olivier Bernard and Hull's Gary Brabin, and was shown the yellow card for his actions.

But there has been no mention of the incident in the referee's report, and it looks as if Tait - who had never been sent from the dugout before - will escape censure.

Several former Darlington players will be returning to their old stamping ground on Tuesday for a charity match in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

David Corner, Les McJannet and Kevan Smith are part of an old boys' team which plays a Totalcare XI at 7pm. Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.

l York City boss Terry Dolan yesterday released skipper Steve Agnew and long-serving left back Wayne Hall, while offering a new deal to former Darlington striker Lee Nogan.

Defender Mike Basham has agreed a new long-term contract with the club after joining in March when he was released by Barnet.

New contracts have been offered to Nogan, Nick Richardson and Neville Stamp but the players have yet to sign.

Striker David Mc Nivens' contract has also expired and the player will be in talks with the manager next week. Dolan's decision to part with Agnew and Hall means that he has released 11 players in the last six weeks.

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