FORMER Darlington favourite Olivier Bernard is keen to return to the club that gave him his first taste of English league action.

The Frenchman is studying for his FA coaching badges and is eyeing a role with the Quakers once he gains full accreditation.

The left-wing back cut his teeth on loan at Feethams before making more than 100 appearances for the Magpies.

The then Newcastle boss Bobby Robson believed that Bernard’s spell at Darlington transformed the player, who had appeared ill-equipped for English football when he first arrived at St James’ Park on a free transfer from Lyon.

Following an ill-fated second spell at St James’, the Frenchman was forced to retire from the game three years ago after failing to overcome a succession of injuries.

Bernard still lives in the North-East and is combining an ambassadorial role for the Show Racism the Red Card campaign with his coaching work.

Bernard’s dream is for his career as a coach to mirror his playing days and he hopes to take his expertise to Darlington before eventually earning a place on the staff at Newcastle United.

He said: “Hopefully, I will be fully qualified in a year or so and my aim is to eventually get a job coaching in Premier League. I would love to go back to Newcastle one day.

“But that is a long way off.

Next month I’m due to start coaching at the training complex in Durham (Houghall) where Darlington and Hartlepool have their training pitches.

“I felt at home as soon as I joined Darlington on loan and I still have a high regard for the club. It would be perfect if my coaching career could follow the same path as when I played.

“Darlington are having a tough season, but I am keeping my fingers crossed they can be safe. They have improved in the last few weeks and you never know what might happen. I’m backing them to stay up.

“This is an area where people love football, so it seems natural for me to be here.”