ALUN ARMSTRONG has distanced himself from the vacant Hartlepool United managerial position and reaffirmed his commitment to Darlington.

Having sacked Craig Hignett today, Pools chairman Raj Singh needs a new manager and it is a position Armstrong was interested in when Craig Harrison was sacked in February 2018.

Matthew Bates was put in caretaker control and at the time Armstrong was in charge at Blyth Spartans where he remained until May this year when he became manager at Darlington.

He said today: “When Batesy was caretaker I spoke to Raj then and he said he wanted me to take over, but I am happy where I am.

“I’ve got a great relationship with the board and I’m quite happy with what we’re doing.

“We’ve got a project which hasn’t started as well as I wanted because of injuries, but the board understand and that’s all you can ask for.

“The board have been different class for me, they know the situation with injuries and I am happy where I am, I’ve got a long-term project here.”

Ex-Darlington boss Martin Gray is understood to be a leading contender to replace Hignett.

Darlington face Boston United at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday when they will be looking to make it four wins in a row, but Armstrong will be without several players.

Ben Hedley misses out due to a one-game suspension while Osagi Bascome and Justin Donawa are on international duty with Bermuda.

Stephen Thompson may not be available due to a groin strain, an injury he sustained a fortnight ago at Alfreton which meant he did not travel to Leamington last Saturday.