DAVID HODGSON may be renowned for his globe-trotting exploits in search of new talent but the Darlington manager would prefer to cast his net closer to home.

While Hodgson will continue to scour the overseas market for potential signings, the Quakers' boss is keen to recapture the spirit of 2000, when the club reached the old Third Division play-off final with the majority of his squad from the North-East.

Of the current 19 players on the club's books, ten - including new signing Sam Aiston - are local.

"We've brought Sam back up to the North-East and ideally I would like to sign players who are from the region," said Hodgson.

"There is an extra burden on the club when you bring in players from other areas. There is the cost to take into account and the time it takes for them to settle in.

"In 2000 we had a closely-knit group of players who were from the area and that seemed to work well for us."

But, having already taken in games both in France and Belgium since the League Two season drew to a close last month, Hodgson remains open-minded.

He added: "There are some exceptions to that rule if the right player comes along at the right price. I've made a couple of checks on players abroad and I'm hoping to take another look at them shortly."

Bobby Petta's move to Bradford City is in doubt after boss Colin Todd expressed his concern that the player's representatives could scupper any deal for the released Quakers' winger.

Read more about the Quakers here.