Striker Lee Matthews could be heading back to Darlington after leaving Port Vale.

Manager David Hodgson has already signed ex-Quakers forward Barry Conlon and is now ready to turn to Matthews who scored one goal in six loan appearances for the club during the 2003/04 season.

If he signed, Matthews, a former Sunderland youngster, would link up with ex-Port Vale team-mate Michael Cummins who has agreed a two-year deal at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena.

The Darlington squad reports back for pre-season today with Hodgson expected to run the rule over several trialists in the coming weeks.

One of which is likely to be Sean Taylor who has been released by Sunderland.

The 20-year-old central defender made four appearances at Blackpool last season, but has since been deemed surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light after failing to make a single appearance for the Black Cats.

While defenders Matt Clarke and Shelton Martis have yet to agree new deals with the club, the pair will return for training today.

Hodgson is confident Dutchman Martis will sign a new contract, although Clarke's future is likely to be elsewhere.

Yesterday's Carling Cup draw paired Quakers with Championship side, Stoke City.

The first round tie at the Britannia Stadium will take place on the week beginning August 21.

"It's a good draw for us and one I'm looking forward to," said Hodgson.

"Stoke will provide a good test for us so early in the season and I'm sure it will give us a good indication of the quality in our squad."