DARLINGTON have been dealt another blow in their search for a manager after Tommy Wright turned down chance to become boss.

The Nuneaton Town manager was interviewed last week and considered the opportunity to take charge at a club where he had two spells as a player.

But his club have today said that Wright has decided against returning to the North-East.

Their statement reads: “An approach was made to the chairman at 8pm on 16/10/2017 asking for permission to speak to Tommy about the vacant manager’s position.

“The release compensation figures contained within the manager's contract were revealed to Darlington and they fully understood that this was a condition of permission prior to any contact.

“We as a club are delighted that Tommy has shown his commitment to the club by opting against entering in to any discussions with Darlington FC, without hesitation.”

Wright played for Darlington in 2007-08 and 2010-11, winning the FA Trophy at Wembley in his final appearance for the club – his last touch was a header prior to Chris Senior to scoring the winning goal.

Nuneaton chairman added in the statement, Lee Thorn said: “Tommy is more than a first-team manager, he is the glue that holds this club together.

“As a club we can see why Tommy was a name they were interested in, but we are delighted that he has opted against talking to them regarding the role.

“He is our manager and is part of something exciting that we are building here at Nuneaton. The club has some talented players and Tommy can see the potential.

“He has backed the club with his commitment and it would be brilliant if the town could back him – starting on Saturday at home to Stockport County.”

Though aged just 33, Wright is now into his second job as a manager having previously been in charge at Corby Town, a club he guided to promotion.

On Saturday Nuneaton, who operate as a full-time club, defeated Darlington 2-1.

In the programme for the match he declared Darlington as his “second home”, adding: “It is a place that will always have a special place in my heart.”

The news is another blow to Quakers, who have also been rebuffed in their attempt to make Blyth Spartans’ Alun Armstrong their manager.

On Monday Spartans announced Armstrong would stay at Croft Park, saying in a statement they “had been contacted by a local club”.

Quakers last week carried out interviews with candidates to replace Martin Gray, who resigned a fortnight ago to take charge at York City.