Leon Knight voices Rushden & Diamonds frustration

Knight netted Brighton's winner in the 2004 Division Two play-off final

Rushden & Diamonds striker Leon Knight has voiced his frustration at seeing a proposed move to Darlington collapse due to alleged contractual reasons.

Knight claims the club have invoked a clause in a contract signed in 2008 to retain his registration until the end of 2010-11.

Knight told the BBC Non League Show: "Rushden have held my registration for an extra year."

Rushden & Diamonds have so far refused to comment on the matter.

Knight added: "They [Rushden] knew I was at Darlington. Why didn't they do it at the beginning?

"I'm always positive and confident that if someone will give me a trial I will do well.

"It's down to me and my agent to get together, see what is going on, make a few calls and take it from there.

Listen: BBC London Non League Show [20-09-10]

"This year I can't play in England, but hopefully I can go somewhere else, go abroad or something, get a year in, good football, score some goals and then come back next season where nobody can have interference in what I'm doing.

"Because right now they're controlling my life and it irritates me.

"I just want to say sorry to Darlington people, fans and staff, I give thanks to them, and hopefully they can get promoted this season and get back to where they belong."

LEON KNIGHT

Began his career at Chelsea - but made one appearance against Levski Sofia in the Uefa Cup

His professional debut came with QPR in March 2001

Knight's 27 goal haul at Brighton is his career best for a single season

Quakers boss Cooper had initially refused to comment on Knight after the 2-2 draw at Bath City on Saturday, but then expressed an interest in trying to resurrect the deal.

However the recent events involving Knight and former club Rushden appear to have shelved the transfer.

Former Chelsea trainee Knight has represented 13 different clubs during his career spanning 82 goals in 288 league appearances.

His most prominent spell came with Brighton between 2003 and 2006, where he netted 30 times in 106 league appearances, including 27 goals in the 2003/04 campaign.

That season Knight also netted the winner from the penalty spot in the then Division Two play-off final against Bristol City at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.