Darlington sack manager Hodgson

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Darlington have sacked manager David Hodgson, having suspended him from his duties on Saturday.

Hodgson was suspended while the club carried out an investigation into "open speculation concerning another football club's contact with the manager".

Chairman George Houghton said on Wednesday that Hodgson "has been asked to relinquish his post as team manager - however, the inquiry will continue."

He will now ask for advice from the FA "on matters relating to FA rules".

Houghton added: "At this period, with a quarter of the season elapsed, it is right to review matters in order to have the best possible chance for promotion this season.

"I have also introduced a new approach to running the club and it has become apparent that differences in management styles have emerged.

"At the start of the season I said I needed 100% commitment from my senior management team.

"I cannot reconcile this requirement with the manager's discussions with another club. It has to be Darlington, first and always."

Hodgson, who had been in his third stint as Quakers boss, has been linked with the vacant manager's job at Bournemouth.

Hodgson's first stint as Quakers boss came in 1995 and he returned to take charge between 1996-2000.

He began his third spell in October 2003 when he succeeded Tommy Taylor.