Robbie Stockdale and Steve Watson are considering a position in Darlington.
FORMER Steve Watson of Newcastle United and Robbie Stockdale, a former assistant at Sunderland, are just two of the more than 30 applicants who have indicated interest in the open management role at Darlington.
The Quakers board will engage with the candidates who made the short list later this week when the application period to succeed Alun Armstrong at Blackwell Meadows concludes this evening.
But as a replacement is not likely to be found before the weekend, senior players Will Hatfield, Jake Lawlor, and Tom Platt will continue to serve as interim managers for Friday night’s FA Cup match against Workington Town at home.
In the 1990s, Watson played fullback for Newcastle. He has vast knowledge of the National League North, having led Gateshead in the Conference and coached York City and Chester City in the same division.
Having played for Middlesbrough and served as both an assistant and interim manager at Sunderland, Stockdale resigned his most recent job as MK Dons’ second in January. He was present at Blackwell Meadows for Armstrong’s final game as manager, a scoreless draw with Boston.
Along with Whitby Town manager Nathan Haslam, former Hartlepool United manager Graeme Lee, who is currently in charge of Northern Premier League club Marske United, and Gateshead assistant manager Ian Watson are rumored to have showed interest in taking over at Darlington.
Despite the fact that their team is planted to the bottom of the National League North standings following last weekend’s loss at Bishop’s Stortford, Darlington authorities have been happy with the degree of interest in their managerial position.
The Quakers stated in a statement that they had received about 30 real applications for the position and were quite pleased with the caliber of the candidates, who had a variety of gaming experiences. Applications must be submitted by Monday evening at 5 p.m.
“Interviews with the candidates on our short list are about to begin. The interim management staff of Will Hatfield, Jake Lawlor, and Tom Platt will continue to oversee team operations in the interim, especially with a Friday night FA Cup match at home against Workington.
“We are confident that all Darlington supporters will support the trio wholeheartedly and show patience as we move forward with the appointment process.”
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