DAVID McGURK was Darlington’s first-choice to be manager, it has been claimed, but turned down the opportunity to stay with Hyde United.

The former Quakers defender is now coach at Hyde United where the manager, Darren Kelly, has claimed McGurk was the man Quakers wanted to replace Martin Gray.

“David McGurk was first-choice for the Darlington manager’s job, which he turned down,” said Kelly.

“He was first choice and he turned it down.

“He decided to turn it down to stay with us because of what we’re about and we’re trying to do down the line.

“That just shows how far we’ve come as a club and what we’re doing.”

McGurk’s stance, if correct, takes the number of managers Quakers have been turned by this week to three following attempts to appoint Tommy Wright and Alun Armstrong.

Middlesbrough-born McGurk, 35, started his career with Darlington, making his debut in November 2001 during an FA Cup tie at Kidderminster Harriers.

While he made close to 60 appearances in the following seasons, McGurk joined York City in 2006, staying at Bootham Crescent until 2014 before a two-year spell with Harrogate Town and then joining Hyde’s backroom staff in 2016.

Since missing out on the aforementioned managerial candidates, The Northern Echo understands Quakers have this week approached a North-East club for permission to speak to their manager.

Darlington are at home to Bradford Park Avenue, and it is likely to be the third game with players Phil Turnbull and Gary Brown at the helm.

Martin Gray resigned as manager to join York City at the beginning of the month.

Meanwhile, Blyth Spartans have announced that their game with Quakers a week on Saturday will be segregated for supporters.