DARLINGTON have begun the process of appointing Alun Armstrong’s managerial successor – but do not expect to have anyone in place until next week at the earliest.

Armstrong’s four-and-a-half year tenure as Quakers boss came to an end yesterday morning when he was dismissed with his side at the foot of the National League North table.

Playing trio Will Hatfield, Tom Platt and Jake Lawlor will share managerial duties this week, and will take charge of the team for Saturday’s away game at Bishop’s Stortford.

However, the search for Armstrong’s permanent successor is already under way, with Darlington having received a number of early expressions of interest.

Blyth Spartans boss Graham Fenton has been touted as a possible candidate, while Robbie Stockdale and Tony McMahon, who is a former head of Darlington’s academy, were both present at Blackwell Meadows on Tuesday evening as Armstrong’s final game in charge ended in a goalless draw with Boston. Gateshead assistant boss Ian Watson is also understood to be a potential candidate at this early stage.

A Darlington statement said: “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.

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“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.”

Armstrong’s dismissal was confirmed just hours after Darlington crashed to the foot of the National League North table, having picked up just six points from their opening eight league matches.

The former Middlesbrough striker succeeded Tommy Wright in May 2019, and has enjoyed some notable highs as well as some disappointing lows during his tenure at Blackwell Meadows.

He biggest successes came in the cup competitions, most notably when his Quakers side beat League One Swindon Town in the FA Cup first round during the Covid season in 2020-21, but he failed to achieve a play-off place in any of his seasons in charge and was repeatedly forced to rebuild his squad after the departure of key players.

The current campaign began badly, with Darlington losing at home to Curzon Ashton on the opening weekend, and Armstrong was absent because of personal reasons as his side were humiliated in a 5-0 thrashing at Buxton last weekend.

“Having looked at results since the start of 2023, when we were top of National League North and in particular the very poor start to the current season, we were unanimous as a board that a change needed to be made,” said Darlington chairman and CEO David Johnston.

“It is a decision that has not come easily. We are sure that all fans will join us in thanking Alun and Darren for their time at Darlington FC and wish them well for the future.”

Armstrong’s assistant, Darren Holloway, has also been relieved of his position on the club’s coaching staff.