Stamp still has a part to play

Darlington boss David Hodgson believes that Phil Stamp still has the attributes to be a huge asset to the club next season. Stamp joined Quakers early last season from Scottish side Hearts. It was several weeks before he made his debut for the club as a substitute at Barnsley in the FA Cup first round.

Stamp in the end only managed nine appearances for the whole of the 2005/06 campaign but Hodgson believes he still has a part to play next season after a complex injury was successfully diagnosed and treated.

“Phil Stamp could without doubt be the best footballer in this league if he wanted. However last season we never really got to the bottom of his calf injury. That has now been diagnosed,” said Hodgson. “It was a hidden tear that couldn't be found on scans or X-ray. We have now found the reason why he kept breaking down. Now we have solved that problem he has to solve the problem by losing six or seven pounds minimum.”

Whilst Stamp suffered a disappointing maiden season in a Darlington shirt his brief appearances did show that he was a cut above most others at League two level. His brilliant free kick at Shrewsbury Town in early December certainly adds weight to Hodgson’s claims. A frustrating season it may have been for Stamp but Darlington are set to persevere with the former Middlesbrough player.

“He still has the chance to be a huge asset to this club. Anyone who questions his attitude should stop to consider that he faced humiliation by coming in to training and breaking down time and again. But he never shirked it, and now the problem is sorted after exploratory surgery,” said Hodgson.

northeastfootball.co.uk