Nelthorpe To Darlington?

Speaking to the Doncaster Star, Craig Nelthorpe went into depth about his situation at Belle Vue.

'The manager (Dave Penney at the time) said that I needed to prove my consistency before he would offer me a longer deal,'

'But I was confident of doing that and I worked really hard in pre-season and was pleased how it went. I scored in the game at Grimsby and help set up goals for other people in other games.

'Even though I felt that I had done well when making my first-team debut in the last game of last season at Tranmere, I didn't expect to start the season in the first team, but thought that I might get a chance if either Copps (James Coppinger) or Pricey (Jason Price) was injured as I was the only left-footed attacking player in the squad.

'But everything changed when Dave Penney left after just a few games and the new manager took over because he doesn't play with wingers as such.

'Because I wasn't getting a game due to a lack of reserve team games at that time, assistant manager Richard O'Kelly, who knew Kidderminster boss Mark Yates, suggested that I go there for a month on loan.

'It wasn't as good a standard of football as at Doncaster. They played more of a long ball game and didn't play it wide much. Their training field wasn't the best, though the first-team pitch was fine.

'I got a few games under my belt and they looked after me well. They wanted me to stay on for a further month, but they also wanted to bring in a central midfielder from West Brom. Basically they wanted a bit more experience in the side.

'I came back here a better player for the experience but nothing had really changed so I had no problem when the chance to go on loan at UniBond League Gateshead came up.

'We played them in pre-season, though I didn't play in that game. It is a lower level than Kidderminster but they play more football.

'I've played two games and they are really pleased with me. Scottish League side Gretna were apparently impressed by me on Saturday.

'I understand that Dave Penney has also been keeping tabs on me since he took over at Darlington.

'I am hoping that Rovers offer me a new contract because I want to stay here. Although I prefer playing as an out-and-out winger, I am sure that I could adapt and fit in with how the manager wants us to play.

'Although I like getting forward I can play a more defensive role if that is what is required and I also feel that I could play on the left of a front three.

'I don't know what the future holds for me at this moment in time because the manager hasn't told me of his plans.

'Whatever happens I want to stay in the game if possible and if Rovers don't want me and Darlington did, then I'd be happy to go there.'

Craig's contract is up in January.

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