DARLINGTON striker Danny Mellanby has been forced to retire due to a persistent back injury.

Three years after joining from Bishop Auckland, the 24-year-old has reluctantly admitted defeat in his bid to return to first-team action.

Mellanby has made just seven appearances for Quakers this season. His last was in November when he was sent off in the 3-1 defeat at Oxford.

After suffering a recurrence of a back injury in training Mellanby failed to feature again. Quakers boss David Hodgson said: "It's extremely unfortunate for Danny.

"We have explored every single possibility and spoke to a number of specialists, but unfortunately all the opinions we have had point in the same direction.

"Danny has already came to terms with the news and hopefully the PFA will be able to offer something in terms of compensation."

Mellanby made 50 appearances for Quakers, scoring nine goals.

Hodgson, meanwhile, has dismissed reports linking him with a move for Plymouth midfielder Jason Bent.

The Canadian international has made over 50 appearances for the Pilgrims, but has been limited to just two run outs for the Division Two champions this year due to a recurrence of a long-standing hamstring problem.

It was Hodgson - acting as an agent in 2001 - who sealed Bent's move from Colorado to Plymouth.

"I brought Jason to the country three years ago and he is a player I rate," admitted Hodgson. "Unfortunately he has had on or two injury problems at Plymouth and I doubt whether we would be able to obtain a work permit for him."

Middlesbrough will visit the Neasham Road Stadium on July 17 in a pre-season friendly. Quakers will also host Bradford on July 21 and Leeds United six days later.

l Brian Horton has been rewarded for steering Macclesfield to Division Three safety with a rolling contract and a brief to get the club promoted next season.

The club's new owners, Middle Eastern telecommunications entrepreneurs Amar and Bashar Alkadhi, have already invested £600,000 in the club and will now hand Horton further significant funds to improve the squad.

l Goalkeeper Jim Provett last night cleaned up at Hartlepool United's player of the year awards.

The 21-year-old was crowned both the supporters and players leading performer for the season.

TV presenter and Pool fan Jeff Stelling presented the honours, after Provett pipped defender Micky Nelson by a single vote.

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