The relationship between the two clubs has improved since the day the Cumbrians nicked - of all people - Peter Beardsley when he was set to sign for the Geordies.
To add to the incredible story, it was Toon legend Bob Moncur who masterminded the swoop. Beardsley was set to join Newcastle but Moncur got him sign on the dotted line in the Darlington board room after Pedro had just finished a trial match at Feethams.
Toon Youngster A Wanted Man
Neil McDonald: "He (Carroll) has just signed a four-year contract which tells you we're never going to be able to buy him. But we have got a good relationship with Newcastle, and they have a lot of young players who have played for the first team this year but who might not have that chance next season, with certain players coming back from injury.
"That might give us half a chance to get a couple of them next season, and finishing eighth or ninth in League One this season hopefully gives us the chance to attract players of that calibre.
"We have to have that fine mixture of youth and experience which we had this season, and bringing in loan players can help us achieve that. We are looking all over the place for players."