DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson will this morning reassess his list of summer targets after missing out on Colin Larkin yesterday.

The Mansfield Town striker has instead opted for a move to Chesterfield, putting pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at Saltergate.

Despite holding lengthy talks with Hodgson last week, seemingly, the chance to play at a higher level on a longer contract was too good an opportunity to turn down for the 23-year-old. Larkin was offered a one-year package with Quakers, before Chesterfield came in for the Irishman who scored 11 goals for Mansfield last season.

Now Hodgson will quickly switch his attentions elsewhere as he reshapes his squad ahead of next season's assault on League Two. Moves for Manchester United's Colin Heath and released Oldham striker John Eyre have been considered by Hodgson who is also expected to run the rule over a batch of overseas trialists next month.

Portmore United winger Omar Daley is also a target after returning to his native Jamaica following his loan spell at Preston last season.

But, having started the previous campaign with a threadbare strike-force - effectively costing Quakers a play-off place - Hodgson will be keen to bolster his attacking options long before the 2005/06 campaign gets underway in August.

Hodgson was at the Williamson Motors Stadium last night as seven youth-team players signed scholarships with the club. Goalkeeper Nathan Wright, defenders Adam Wright and Wayne Clarke, midfielders Michael Lawson and Andrew McIntosh and strikers Shaun Reay and Michael Tait - son of Mick - have signed forms with the club.

Meanwhile, former Quakers' keeper David Preece has not given up hope of extending his stay with Aberdeen, despite being made available for transfer. Hodgson has earmarked Preece as a possible summer signing, although the Sunderland born-stopper could yet remain at Pittodrie.

"Unless the manager comes and tells me point blank there isn't a future for me I'll just concentrate on the new season at Aberdeen," said Preece.

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