FREED Middlesbrough midfielder Neil Maddison yesterday gave Darlington a major boost by agreeing to join his home-town club "on principle".

The 31-year-old has held talks with Quakers several times in the last fortnight since discovering his contract wouldn't be renewed at the Riverside, and yesterday he contacted the club from his holiday retreat to inform them that he would be turning down approaches from higher division clubs in favour of Quakers.

The signing is a major coup for Darlington, with much of the spadework being done by chairman George Reynolds.

Football director Luke Raine said: "Neil phoned yesterday to give us his word that as soon as he returns from holiday he will sign for us.

"Neil is a great signing. He has experience in the Premiership with both Middlesbrough and Southampton and we see him as the player to take the club forward and help us to win promotion in the new season.

"A lot of it is down to lengthy negotiations by the chairman. He spent a long time talking with Neil and eventually came up trumps. He has put his money where his mouth is.

"It is the best deal we've ever offered a player and we're delighted Neil has accepted it. Obviously the fact that we're his home-town club has had some bearing on his decision as well." It is understood that Maddison, who spent over four seasons at the Riverside, will be signing a three-year contract.

And the signings of quality players might not end there, with Quakers chasing at least one new striker.

Raine, who denied that Quakers have also made an enquiry for former Middlesbrough midfielder Jamie Pollock, revealed that Reynolds has made more money available for manager Gary Bennett and his assistant Mick Tait.

"I don't want to put a figure on it, but the chairman has increased the budget substantially for next season. He is determined that Darlington will win promotion and go into the new stadium in the Second Division.

"He wants Gary and Mick to take the opportunity to build a side which will grace the new ground.

"We have the basis of a very good side. We have an abundance of quality players in goal, defence and midfield, but we feel we need somebody who can score goals on a regular basis for us.

Kirk Jackson has the makings of a very good striker but we feel that we need one more new face, especially as Glenn Naylor is out until at least Christmas."

And Raine is hoping the fans will be heartened by the Quakers new acquisition.

"I want the fans to think about the positives," he said. "Neil is about to sign and the construction of the new stadium is going well. The chairman is totally committed to taking this club forward. It is up to Gary Bennett and the management team now to make things work, and for the fans to respond."

Quakers are rated 20-1 to win the Third Division title, according to one bookmaker who make Bristol Rovers 5-1 favourites, with Luton and new boys Rushden joint second favourites at 7-1. Hartlepool are 12-1.

l Phil Neville has signed a new six-year contract with Premiership champions Manchester United. The England defender is believed to have doubled his salary.