DAVID Hodgson has hinted that next season will be his last as Darlington manager.

But Hodgson believes his job will not be complete until he has achieved something with the club.

Hodgson has had five full seasonm and three part seasons in control without securing promotion and claims the next campaign will be his last - but admits he is facing a tough time ahead.

However, with his departure in mind, the Quakers boss admits he would find it difficult to walk away if he is celebrating in 12 months time with League One football to look forward to.

It's perhaps more conceivable that if, for a third year running, Quakers fail to secure a top seven finish, Hodgson will be left with little choice but to call time on his long association with the club.

"What we've got to do now is reflect on what we need and put it right," said Hodgson.

"There's no room for David Hodgson after next season. That's the bottom line.

"I want to wave goodbye from here with promotion and wipe out 15 years of anger (the last time Darlington won promotion) that's building up in people. I've got a very difficult year in front of me."

Not that this season has been a stroll in the park for the Quakers boss, who has come under intense pressure from fans, unhappy with the way their side has under performed.

But, rather than be remembered as a failure, Hodgson would prefer to part company with the club on a successful note.

It happened six years ago when, after guiding the club to the play-off final, Hodgson departed with his cult-like status firmly intact.

That reputation has somewhat wavered during the last two years.

Despite steering the club clear of relegation and guiding it to two consecutive eighth-place finishes, Hodgson's relationship with fans has never felt so much strain.

There is little doubt that next season will make or break it.

Hodgson knows he has to deliver early, otherwise his position will become untenable.

But, until he is told otherwise, Hodgson is committed to the cause - and so is his wife.

He said: "I have a wife, who wants to move back down to Yorkshire, but she only wants to go when we get promoted.

"I'll look at that when it comes. My chairman knows that and the directors know that.

"However, I'm always liable to change heart because I would then like to go from the third (League One) to the second (Championship).

"At the moment that's my game plan and that is to get promotion before anybody pushes me out the door."

Read more about the Quakers here.