Former Darlington captain Martin Gray is facing an uncertain future after struggling to overcome a nagging back injury.

The Stockton-born midfielder hasn't pulled on a Quakers shirt since the 3-0 defeat at home to Chesterfield in January.

Gray, a former Sunderland trainee who made 64 appearances in seven years at Roker Park, has been a regular in the Quakers since signing from Oxford United in 1999.

Manager Gary Bennett said: "Martin goes to see a specialist at the end of the month and we'll go from there.

"After that we'll all sit down and discuss what is the best thing for Darlington Football Club and Martin Gray."

Club physio Nigel Carnell earlier admitted the future was bleak for Gray.

"Martin Gray has been working all summer, unfortunately it appears that all his hard work may be in vain," admitted Carnell. "It is looking increasingly likely that Martin's spine problem may end his career."

Signed by David Hodgson in 1999, Gray - who turned 30 last week - has become more involved with helping out the club's youth and reserve sides.

Bennett explained: "He's been doing a bit of work with the kids and the reserves to keep him going, to take his mind off the injury."

Bennett last night gave an outing to striker Stuart Riddle in a specially arranged friendly for reserves at Shildon.

The New Zealand-born 22-year-old, who once featured in his country's Olympic squad, has been playing in Iowa in the US alongside and was highly-rated as a youngster.

The now defunct Football Mundial magazine featured him in a poll of football's top 20 prospects which also included Kieron Dyer, Michael Owen and Finidi George.

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