By Martin Walker

Kevin Richardson reckons football scouts in the game are starting to talk about Darlington.

Darlo's assistant manager, who was scouting before Steve Staunton brought him to the Northern Echo Arena last October, is adamant people in the game are starting to take an interest in the club.

Despite some unfortunate and unlucky results recently, when the Quakers' performances have arguably merited more, Richardson says some players are catching the eye of scouts.

And that can only be a good thing for Darlington…

"Our form has improved a lot," insists Richardson. "The performances are better, there's an understanding, they're lasting longer and there's more commitment. We've tried to squeeze a bit more out of them to go longer.

"I've noticed recently the number of scouts at our games and the list is getting bigger. In football people are talking about how we're doing this and doing that and I think that shows by the scouting list at our games.

"There was quite a few here on Tuesday night and that's credit to the players and what they've been achieving in the games, because people are talking about us in football and they're coming to watch.

"They've got to try and produce the goods so the manager has got the option to re-sign them."

Irish striker Tadgh Purcell, particularly, has impressed at the Arena since joining from Shamrock Rovers in January, scoring six goals in nine games.

And Richardson admitted: "Everyone wants goals and everyone is looking for strikers. In the short space of time he's been here and to adjust so quickly, he's fitted in quite well.

"I think he's got something about him, as a player. I believe that. He's still learning but he wants to listen, he's just trying to cut out the little mistakes, but that goes for all of them.

"I'm sure all these players would prefer to play at a higher level, whether that's with Darlington or with different clubs, but to do that they'll have to put in the performances for us first."