Adolfo Gregorio has turned his back on Darlington after rejecting an offer to stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium, writes Craig Stoddart.

After a stop-start season with Quakers, the American has decided to play in Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake.

Signed in September last year from Colorado Rapids, the 22-year-old made 25 appearances but due to injures and loss of form rarely featured in the last three months.

But he was still offered a deal for next season and assistant manager Mark Proctor said: "It's a disappointment but we didn't want to force him back over here with his hand up his back.

"It was a long away from home for him, especially if he didn't want to be here.

"In glimpses he did well for us and at other times he disappointed but we thought the experience he had gained in his first season would stand him in good stead for the new season."

Mark Convery, released at the end of last season after 85 appearances, joined York City yesterday.

* Former Darlington captain Craig Liddle teed off his testimonial year yesterday when representatives from each of the North-East clubs took part in his golf day.

A number of ex-team-mates from the Williamson Motors Stadium were at Darlington Golf Club as Liddle was joined by former manager Gary Bennett as well as Jim Montgomery, Hartlepool's Matty Robson and Micky Nelson.

Middlesbrough were represented by Darlington-born James Morrison and Mattew Bates, on loan at Quakers last season.

Also planned is a sportsman's dinner to be held at Tall Trees, Yarm on October 1 when former Premiership referee Jeff Winter will be the guest speaker. But the biggest event will be his match at the Williamson Motors Stadium when Darlington host Middlesbrough.

Organised by The Craig Liddle Testimonial Match Committee, Quakers pre-season friendly against the Teessiders on July 23 promises to a memorable and emotional occasion for the recently retired 33-year-old.

After spending the vast majority of his career at Darlington, preceded by four years at Boro, Liddle was forced to call time on his career following 322 games for Quakers, making the 11th highest number of appearances in the club's history.

Although testimonials are normally awarded to players that have been at a club for ten years, Liddle, who still had a year to run on his contract, has qualified due to his playing career being cut short by injury.

He plans to stay in the game with a coaching role and, although it won't be at Darlington, the fans' favourite can expect a large crowd for the match against Steve McClaren's men.

Liddle, meanwhile, has agreed to play for Durham City in the Arngrove Northern League. See the Local Heroes supplement inside for more details.

Read more about the Quakers here.