Darlington midfielder Neil Maddison last night paid an emotional tribute to Quakers fans who he feels made it impossible for him to leave his home-town club.

The 33-year-old yesterday put pen to paper on a new one-year deal with Quakers despite interest from Third Division rivals Oxford, with the former Middlesbrough man also taking up the vacant assistant manager's position alongside boss Mick Tait.

And Maddison, who is understood to have taken a substantial cut in wages to remain with the club, revealed the reception he received in the farewell to Feethams match against Leyton Orient on the last day of last season played a huge part in his decision to stay.

"I don't think I've ever had a reception like that. It meant everything to me and I'd like to thank the fans for that."

"It's now up to me to prove I can play on a regular basis. I want to get into the coaching side of things but first and foremost I want to do well on the pitch for the club. I'm going to be working alongside Mick and if I'm not playing I'm going to be on the touchline doing my bit."

After a meeting with chairman George Reynolds, Maddison is relishing the season ahead.

"I spoke to the chairman for a good hour and he's promised me we're going to go for it next season," said Maddison.

"Some of the signings he's looking to make, if we do pull them off, couldgive us a good chance of getting promotion this season."

Reynolds meanwhile welcomed Maddison's decision to remain with the club.

"I am very pleased Neil has come on board for another season and hopefully he'll stay beyond that," said Reynolds.

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