STEVE STAUNTON last night emerged as the leading contender to become manager of Darlington FC, the club rooted to the foot of the English Football League. If Staunton takes charge of the English North-East outfit this week, his first fixture will be an away trip to Dagenham and Redbridge. The game takes place on the same day the Republic of Ireland face Italy in a vital World Cup qualifier at Croke Park.

The former Ireland boss has not held a managerial post since he was dismissed as Gary McAllister’s assistant at Leeds United in December 2008. Staunton’s most recent role was working in a scouting capacity for Mick McCarthy at Wolves. Staunton is believed to have approached Raj Singh, the Darlington chairman, to express his interest in the vacancy.