DARLINGTON are still looking for a striker, though only at the right price.

Lee Gaskell this week signed a new contract with Quakers, meaning he will stay at the club and give manager Martin Gray another option with fellow forwards Nathan Cartman, Liam Hardy and Amar Purewal also available.

Gray also wants a target man to replace Graeme Armstrong, who has become one of a number of notable signings for Spennymoor Town, however, Darlington’s manager has a frugal approach to recruitment.

He has made five signings, and has also held talks with other players who have gone elsewhere.

“We’re looking for a striker, a big target man, if the right one comes along,” said the boss.

“I’ve spoken to various players, but they want too much money. As I’ve said before, I’m not prepared to pay over the top for players who are not worthy of that money, it’s as simple as that.

“We pay players what is right and at the same time give them an opportunity to progress their career as well as the chance to play for Darlington. No disrespect to any other club, but we are the biggest non-league club in the North-East and that fact should attract any player. But some players chase money and I’m not prepared to get drawn into that game at all.

“There’s a level [of money] for players at this level of the game. Players at this level are not worth £500 a week, they’re just not worth it.

“We’ve got to live within our means and we’ve got to manage the fans’ money. I’m conscious of that all of the time.”

Gray’s signings so far are Mark Bell (from Spennymoor), Liam Marrs (Boston United), Lewis Nightingale (Farsley Celtic) as well as Jordan Watson and Arran Wearmouth (both from Blyth), though no additions have been made for a month.

“Things have slowed down a bit,” added Gray. “We’re still speaking to players all the time but there’s nothing definitely happening at the moment, it’s ongoing negotiations at the minute.

“We’re very happy with what we’ve got and could start the season tomorrow. We pride ourselves on our togetherness, we’ve got a really strong squad to start with, but we’re always on the lookout to improve it.

“Lots of players are going around to speaking to different clubs, so that’s where we are, it’s a waiting game.”