TOMMY Widdrington had no qualms about dropping down the divisions to move to Hartlepool from Port Vale - because he is confident he'll soon be back there.

Newcastle-born Widdrington was freed by the Potteries club after two years at Vale Park and despite interest from fellow Second Division clubs Northampton, Wrexham and Colchester the midfielder did not hesitate in joining Chris Turner's side.

Widdrington landed in Norway last night with his new teammates ahead of this afternoon's game with Fana and Monday's clash with Brann Bergen.

And after making his bow in the midweek win at Billingham Town, Widdrington is confident good times lie ahead at Victoria Park.

"I was delighted to come here,'' admitted the former Southampton man. "It's always a bit unnerving when you are out of contract and there are about 700 players out of contract this summer, so it's nice to be wanted by a few clubs.

"I chose here because of the way the club was sold to me by the manager and when I came here I was taken aback by the facilities. It's changed so much since the last time I played here.''

Widdrington's last appearance at Victoria Park was a 4-3 defeat while on loan at Wigan in 1991.

"I'm football mad so being from the North-East I've kept an eye on their results and wanted them to go up last season.

"To coin a phrase, they have hit the post in the last two seasons, but now we want to go one better.

"I spoke to other clubs in a higher division, but I felt I can go places with this club and get back up a division."

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