DUTCH striker Clyde Wijnhard last night ended speculation surrounding his Darlington future by agreeing a deal which will keep him at the Williamson Motors Stadium until 2006.

Wijnhard put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal following talks with his agent, Peter Harrison, and Quakers boss David Hodgson.

Bradford City and Rotherham United have both been linked with Wijnhard and Hodgson conceded earlier this week that the 31-year-old may have played his last game for the club.

However, Wijnhard opened the door for Hodgson on Tuesday, indicating that he would like to remain in the North-East.

After failing to clinch moves to Oldham and Sunderland in the summer, Wijnhard joined Quakers on a pay-as-you-play basis last month.

After seeing him score four goals in six starts for Quakers, Hodgson has been desperate to secure the services of Wijnhard on a long-term deal.

Wijnhard will play in tomorrow's FA Cup first round game with Yeovil Town and Hodgson said: "The club is demonstrating its commitment to a strong future, on and off the pitch, with this long-term signing of one of the most exciting players in the league."

Wijnhard moved to England in 1998, joining Leeds United in a £1.5m deal from Dutch side, Tilburg WII.

But after making just 14 starts at Elland Road, Wijnhard moved to Huddersfield Town for £750,000, where he scored 18 goals in three seasons at the McAlpine Stadium.

It was during his time with the Terriers that Wijnhard was involved in a near-fatal car accident. Spells at Oldham and Preston followed, before he moved to Portuguese outfit, Beira Mar, with whom he spent last season.

"Clyde has Premier League experience and commanded a transfer fee in excess of £1 million when he joined Leeds," said Hodgson.

"He's a proven goalscorer, he will be a dynamic addition to our squad. He has impressed everyone at the club since he came in last month."

The signing of Wijnhard demonstrates a sound financial footing for the club under chairman Stewart Davies, according to Hodgson.

In September a transfer embargo was lifted on the club when it came out of administration.

It was then that Wijnhard followed former Middlesbrough duo Alun Armstrong and Craig Hignett into the club.

"The new financial stability at the club has made it possible to bring in a player of his quality at a wage that is both affordable and fair,'' said Hodgson.

"The chairman's commitment to the club has made it possible for players of Clyde's calibre to sign."