DARLINGTON’S willingness to welcome female candidates in their search for a new manager grabbed media attention nationally, and one applicant impressed so much that she could yet be offered a role with Quakers.

The National League North club today appointed Alun Armstrong as successor to Tommy Wright.

He was one of 72 applicants that were whittled down to a shortlist numbering around ten, and leaves behind Blyth Spartans before beginning work on Monday.

Chief executive David Johnston, however, told The Northern Echo that that one particular applicant, though unsuccessful in her attempt to replace Wright, could yet be offered a role with Quakers.

He said: “We interviewed a lady who was outstanding. She did very well and made the shortlist, but among the key criteria for us was knowledge of this league, knowledge of budgets in this league and managing on a competitive budget to get us out of this league, and she fell just short.

“But she was a very impressive individual, and I’d like to think we could perhaps work with her in the future.

“Whether we could add her to the staff remains to be seen, but she’s someone I would be interested in keeping in contact with.”