Big budget for Quakers' boss.

Byline: Andrew Wilkinson And Adam Steel

Darlington chairman George Houghton appears to be willing to splash the cash in the January transfer window.

In his programme notes for Saturday's game with Notts County - which Quakers lost 1-0 to Darlington-born Alan White's 83rd minute header - Houghton revealed that manager Dave Penney would have a "substantial six-figure budget for this period".

If he can find the players he wants Penney is likely to sign a central defender, left back and striker, and maybe even a couple more players.

Penney has now been in charge for 10 games, winning the first six then losing four in a row.

He has been hampered by major injury problems, but the side he fielded on Saturday was capable of doing better.

They were on the receiving end of some dubious refereeing decisions, being denied three penalty appeals, and seeing Micky Cummins' first half header harshly ruled out for a foul.

"I also felt that Paddy Collins was fouled just before County scored, but we have to look at ourselves," said Penney.

"We will look at all aspects, but we are not working as hard as we did in the first six games. We will try a few different things in training.

"It's frustrating that I can't do anything until January. Darren Holloway was two yards off the pace, because he isn't fully fit, but it has been a case of 'needs must'."

Darlington's forwards are not firing, and ex-Boro front man Alun Armstrong was withdrawn early in the second half, though his replacement Barry Conlon fared little better.

And record signing Julian Joachim is not as sharp as he was before a hamstring injury, and is desperately in need of a confidence boosting goal or two.

ANDY Monkhouse is keeping his options open about the future as he prepares to complete his loan spell at Hartlepool.

The Leeds-based winger has yet to feature on the losing side for parent club Swindon or Pools this season and wants to keep up that record at Bury on Saturday.

Monkhouse's loan expires after the game at Gigg Lane, but he would be equally happy to remain in the North-east or return to Wiltshire.

"I don't really know what my preference is and I don't mind," said Monkhouse.

"The Swindon manager Paul Sturrock said come here for a month, it's nothing longer than that. So unless something changes I expect to go back.

He said: "But if Hartlepool and the gaffer want me to stay I would be delighted to stay, especially the way we are playing at the minute.

"We've won five games on the bounce now and I'm enjoying my football.

"I've got to consider a few things but I'll speak to both managers before anything gets sorted out."