DARLINGTON boss David Hodgson has quashed speculation linking York City with Quakers' striker Peter Duffield.

But former City striker Marco Gabbiadini was expected to depart Feethams today to sign for division two new boys Northampton Town.

And one time York goalkeeper Mark Samways has been released by Darlington, told by Hodgson he is not part of his plans for the forthcoming season.

Diminutive frontman Duffield was rumoured to be a Terry Dolan target after the City boss missed out on Luke Beckett.

But Hodgson today moved quickly to pour cold water on poacher Duffield departing, particularly with Gabbiadini set to pledge his allegiance to the Cobblers.

Hodgson admitted he had heard the rumours linking City with 30-year-old Duffield but insisted there had been no contact between the clubs.

Middlesbrough-born Duffield bagged 13 goals for Darlington last season and still has one year left to run on his current contract.

He started his career with his hometown club before signing with Sheffield United followed by loan spells with Halifax Town, Rotherham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Stockport County and Crewe.

It was in the Scottish first division that he made his name, however, bagging 39 goals in just 72 appearances for Hamilton followed by shorter stints with Airdrieonians, Raith Rovers, Morton and Falkirk.

Only last week, the Evening Press reported Darlington chairman George Reynolds said he was expecting Gabbiadini, top scorer in division three for the last two seasons, to sign for Northampton.

who leap-frogged Quakers for an automatic promotion spot in the dying weeks of the season.

Northampton have beaten off a host of clubs from both the second and third division as well as the Scottish Premier League for Gabbiadini, who was expected to put pen to paper at the Sixfields Stadium this afternoon.

Samways was perhaps the surprise omission from Darlington's retained list announced today.

The 31-year-old shot stopper, who made 29 appearances for the Minstermen, played about two-thirds of last season after injury ruled out Darlington number one choice Andy Collett.

But Samways contract is now up and Hodgson has decided against offering him an extension.

Former City player Kevan Smith, another ex-Darlington player, has been appointed by Hull City manager Brain Little as a joint assistant manager with David Moore, the former Grimsby and Carlisle player.

The draw for the first round of the Worthington Cup will be on Monday, July 24.