DARLINGTON chairman Stewart Davies has opened tentative discussions, which he hopes will eventually see manager David Hodgson commit his long-term future to the club, writes LEE HALL.

Hodgson last night revealed that talks have taken place with Davies, with a view to extending his stay.

Davies is keen to protect the services of Hodgson, who signed a rolling deal with the club last summer.

After seeing Hodgson guide Quakers to the brink of a play-off place this season, Davies is ready to offer a lengthy deal.

"I have a rolling contract and the chairman has already asked me if I'm prepared to commit longer," said Hodgson.

"I've never had a contract in management before, but before I sign anything I want to know that everything is properly in place."

After guiding Quakers to league safety last season, Hodgson agreed to extend his stay as long as the club was ran professionally.

MICKY Nelson and his Hartlepool United team-mates are determined to make the most of their opportunity on Saturday.

Pool entertain Walsall knowing a win could be enough to secure a place in the play-offs.

If they don't win - or if they do and Sheffield Wednesday and Bournemouth both win - it will go down to the final day of the campaign, when Pool have to go to Bournemouth.

And that is a situation Pool want to avoid, despite having the experience of a similar scenario last season when Pool went to Swindon as the regular season ended.

"It's our last home game and we don't feel any pressure going into it,'' said Nelson, part of the Pool side that lost at Doncaster at the weekend, but stayed in fourth spot in League One.

"Our home form has been very good and hopefully we can carry it on. If not, then we still have the chance to go to Bournemouth and get a result like we did against Swindon last season.

"The idea is to avoid having our season hanging on one game on the final day.

"We know Bournemouth are a good side and it will be tough. It's in our hands and that's the important thing.''

l Tickets for the Bournemouth game go on sale to season ticket holders today, before going on general sale next Tuesday.