MARTIN GRAY has committed himself to Darlington by signing a new five-year contract.

He has led Quakers to three promotions since being appointed manager in 2012, taking the club to the National League North where the team is currently third in the table.

He was appointed boss after the club dropped four divisions to the Northern League at the Football Association’s behest, since when the club’s finishing positions in four seasons have been 1st, 2nd, 2nd and 1st.

The record, Gray revealed, led to him being approached for his services during the summer.

Two clubs, which he declined to identify, were interested in speaking to the manager and had he accepted an offer Darlington would not have received compensation under the terms of his previous deal.

His new contract, however, protects Quakers in case Gray one day moves on.

“I had two offers in the summer, one in the Conference and one in the Football League, and they were both good offers,” revealed the manager, whose team play at Brackley tomorrow.

“There was no way I was going to leave, but the club had to be made aware of it.

“There’s a clause in there now which means they would get some money for a change. That’s important because if somebody does come along why should the club lose out on a financial opportunity.”

**See Saturday’s The Northern Echo for an indepth interview with Martin Gray.**