ALUN Armstrong will sit down with Darlington manager David Hodgson this morning to discuss his plans for next season.

After culling his squad by a third on Wednesday, Hodgson will seek clarification on Armstrong's future when he opens talks with the former Middlesbrough striker.

Hodgson last week conceded that Armstrong's future was likely to be away from the Williamson Motors Stadium, after revealing interest from Colchester United.

But since Us boss Phil Parkinson distanced himself from reports, Hodgson has not given up hope that Armstrong could yet commit his future to Quakers.

Hodgson knows that much will depend on Armstrong's family commitments.

The Tynesider has been settled in Suffolk since moving to Ipswich from Middlesbrough in a £500,000 move five years ago. Armstrong has continued to commute to the North-East since joining Quakers in September.

"There are various issues to discuss with Alun and we will hope to clear some of them up when we speak on Friday," Hodgson confirmed.

"He made the decision not to move up here when he signed for us last year. Obviously that was his decision and we made allowances for him to do that, but it was far from ideal.

"We respect that he and his family are settled down in Ipswich and a club nearer there would obviously suit him better.

"We'll have a good chat on Friday and take it from there."

Matt Clarke is expected to hold further talks with Quakers next week after rejecting their initial one-year offer on Wednesday. Clarke's snub could alert Bradford City, who are long-term admirers of the former Halifax stopper.

Hodgson also revealed that skipper Neil Maddison will be used sparingly next season.

Darlington-born Maddison has agreed a player-coach role with the club and Hodgson revealed: "I've told Maddo we will only use him when necessary next season and that will probably be a dozen times.

"He's fantastic to have around the club and he is just as important off the pitch as he is on it."

And, while Adolfo Gregorio and Curtis Fleming have not signed new deals, the pair will train with Quakers when pre-season preparations resume in July.

"I've explained the situation to Curtis and he knows that there could still be a place here for him," said Hodgson. "The same applies to Adolfo, who never really established himself in the side when he should have towards the end of the season."