DARLINGTON manager Gary Bennett is interested in Sunderland winger Neil Wainwright.

Wainwright, 23, was a big hit at Feethams in the failed promotion campaign two seasons ago, scoring four times in 16 appearances while on loan from Sunderland.

Wainwright's first-team opportunities were severely restricted at the Stadium of Light last season - his only appearance was in the 3-0 Worthington Cup win over Luton - and so he was loaned out to Halifax, where another former Sunderland player, Paul Bracewell, is manager.

But now Bennett and his old Roker Park team mate Bracewell appear to be in contention for the Warrington-born player.

Quakers enquired about Wainwright's availability last season and were quoted £100,000, but Bennett said: "We would certainly be interested in Neil. He's got a year left on his contract, but it depends on whether Sunderland would be willing to let him go."

Quakers have been linked with several more players, including another former Roker team mate of Bennett's, midfielder Steve Agnew. The former Leicester player has just been released by York City, but Bennett has denied making a move.

"I know Steve well but I haven't asked about him," he said.

"One of the main stumbling blocks would be the 35-year-old's wages, as he is reported to have been one of the best paid players on York's books following his move from Sunderland in May 1998.

* Chesterfield were formally placed into administration yesterday following a court hearing in Leeds.

The joint administrators will hold a review on June 15 in Manchester.

Howard Borrell, chairman of the Chesterfield Football Supporters Society, which acquired a majority shareholding of the club at the start of the month, welcomed the move.

Chesterfield won promotion to Division Two, despite being docked nine points for financial irregularities, and Borrell is confident the club can now move forwards.

Borrell, who said that since CFSS took over the club they had uncovered ''evidence of woeful financial control'', added: ''The society will work with the administrators to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the club and will aim to satisfy the Football League that the club has the ability to fulfil its fixtures in Division Two next season."

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