THREE Darlington players will take caretaker charge of the side until the appointment of a permanent replacement for Alun Armstrong.

Will Hatfield, Tom Platt and Jake Lawlor will share the responsibility after Armstrong's exit was confirmed on Wednesday morning.

There's already been plenty of interest in the vacancy despite the fact Armstrong was only sacked a matter of hours ago. Quakers say the board is working its way through the applications and will continue to do so until early next week.

Hatfield, Platt and Lawlor will be in charge of the side for Saturday's game at Bishop's Stortford. The following game isn't until Saturday, September 16 when Workington visit in the FA Cup.

Armstrong was sacked on the back of Tuesday night's 0-0 draw at home to Boston that left Darlington bottom of the National League North table after picking up just six points from their opening eight matches. His assistant Darren Holloway has also left the club.

Confirming the next step after the sacking, a club statement says: "Following on from the announcement that management pair Alun Armstrong and Darren Holloway have been relieved of their duties, the club would now like to announce that senior players Will Hatfield, Tom Platt and Jake Lawlor have agreed to take caretaker charge until somebody is appointed permanently to the manager's position.

"We are certain that all Darlington fans will support the three senior players as they prepare for the away game at Bishop's Stortford on Saturday.

"The club has already received several applications for the role, and the board is now working through them. Applications should be sent by Monday teatime, 11th September."