Quakers keeper not going on loan

Posted on 4th September 2007

Darlington goalkeeper David Stockdale will not going out on loan. The Quakers’ keeper stepped into the breech during the 2-0 opening day win against Wrexham when Andy Oakes was sent off and has since kept his place in the team with a number of strong performances. Any chance of him going out on loan are now gone. Manager Dave Penney was going to send the former York City player out to get first team experience but this is no longer the case.

“That won’t happen now (Stockdale going on loan),” said Penney. “We wanted him to play games and we thought that the only way he would get better is through competitive league games. Right now he is getting that. We don’t have to look around for another keeper at the moment.”

Oakes was bought to the club during the summer however with Stockdale’s excellent form he will have to bide his time. “Andy Oakes is fully aware of the situation and keepers have a bit of a union really. They train everyday together with the goalkeeping coach and they back each other whoever is in the team,” said Penney.

Stockdale arrived at Darlington last summer. Following his release from York Quakers’ goalkeeping coach Andy Collett invited him for a trial after a recommendation from David McGurk, a former Darlington defender, and the player impressed. Stockdale has so far only conceded two goals in the league and he got another clean sheet at the weekend following a penalty save at Macclesfield. Kevin McIntyre, who scored nine goals from nine penalties last season, was denied by Stockdale who made a sharp diving save to his right to claw the ball away.

“It was an excellent save he has been excellent since he came into the team. I think some people were critical when he was in the side around the Christmas and New Year period when Sam (Russell) was injured,” said Penney. “He was playing behind a poor defence at that time and now he White and Foster in front of him to head everything out and he has thrived.”

Earlier Darlington news

Darlington defender not satisfied
Warning for Quakers ahead of Macclesfield
Darlington defender extends loan deal
Reserves are so important says Quakers’ boss
Darlington can bounce back says Purdie
Miller could exit Quakers
Quakers’ boss backs Ince to beat drop
No long wait for Darlington
Horwood and Wheater extend Quakers’ deals
Show me what you can do urges Darlington boss
Russell returns for Quakers
Professional job declares Quakers’ boss
Logan could still have Quakers future
Pair sign permanent deals with Quakers
Darlington boss not happy with referee