AFTER steering the club to the brink of Football League safety, Darlington boss David Hodgson has now set his sights on opening negotiations with the club's out-of-contract stars.

With three games remaining Quakers are six points clear of the relegation zone - York having failed to make up any ground following their 2-1 defeat at home to Yeovil.

They head to promotion-chasing Lincoln this weekend where victory will see the club safe from the drop.

And as soon as their Football League status is secured Hodgson will set about the task of assembling his squad for next season.

Despite the club's precarious financial situation, administrators Wilson Field are leaving all contractual decisions in the hands of Hodgson.

The Quakers boss has already signalled his intention to reward Matt Clarke for his impressive form this season by taking up a one-year option on the defender.

Likewise, goalkeeper Michael Price will earn a new one-year deal after establishing himself as Quakers' first-choice stopper following Andy Collett's retirement.

Hodgson will also sit down with top scorer Barry Conlon to discuss the Irishman's future, while Ryan Valentine, Mark Convery, Clark Keltie, Brian Close, Neil Wainwright, Craig Russell and Ian Clark will all hope for new deals.

However, it's unlikely Hodgson will offer Ashley Nicholls an extension to his contract, which expires in the summer.

The former Ipswich midfielder is currently on loan at Third Division rivals Cambridge after failing to settle in the North-East.

The Us have already expressed an interest in taking the 22-year-old on a permanent basis and Hodgson will not stand his way.

"I've spoken to the administrators and they are happy to go along with my judgement," said Hodgson. "But I can't even begin to speak to players until this football club is safe.

"We have to make sure we're in a position to sit down and discuss terms. At the moment we're not but when the time is right we will start talking."

Meanwhile, skipper Neil Maddison will return to the side at the weekend after missing the win over Oxford with a knee problem. Russell is struggling with a groin injury and is unlikely to figure.

* Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of young midfielder Chris Brunt on a permanent contract. The 19-year-old, who arrived at Hillsborough on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season, has signed a contract extension which will keep him in south Yorkshire until the summer of 2006.

''Chris has shown excitement and quality in a young player,'' said boss Chris Turner.

* Wigan boss Paul Jewell has resigned himself to losing striker Andy Liddell at the end of the season. Liddell, 30, is the Latics' all-time leading goalscorer after six years at the club.

Read more about the Quakers here.