DARLINGTON chairman Stewart Davies has opened discussions, which he hopes will eventually see manager David Hodgson commit his long-term future to the club.

Hodgson last night revealed talks have taken place with a view to extending his stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Davies is keen to keep Hodgson who signed a rolling deal with the club last summer.

After seeing the manager guide Quakers to the brink of a play-off place this season, Davies is ready to offer a lengthy deal.

"I have a rolling contract and the chairman has already asked me if I'm prepared to commit longer," said Hodgson.

"I've never had a contract in management before, but before I sign anything I want to know that everything is properly in place."

After guiding Quakers to league safety last season, Hodgson agreed to extend his stay on the provision the club was run professionally.

He added: "As long as the players and everybody else at the club shares the same ambition as me then I will be happy to sign on the dotted line."

And, providing Hodgson does commit his future the club, the Quakers boss is hopeful Davies will follow suit.

"We have a chairman who I would love for us to hang on to," said Hodgson. "We're already discussing next year's budget and hopefully the chairman will be a part of the club's future."

And while Davies' has expressed disappointment at attendances this season, Hodgson admits Quakers have done little to entice supporters.

"At times this season the poor crowds have been a bigger burden than the performances," said Hodgson. "I can't blame the fans because we haven't been consistent enough to bring them back through the gates.

"But if there's anytime to turn out in force then it's now."

With two games remaining, one home and one away, Quakers hold a slender two-point advantage above eighth-placed Northampton, ahead of Saturday's trip to Lincoln.

"I ain't no soccer genius but I know that there is enough quality to see us through the next couple of games," said Hodgson. "I believe we can go out and beat Lincoln, although the lads may have to help me out on this one."

Read more about the Quakers here.