CLYDE WIJNHARD is relishing the prospect of resurrecting his career in England with Darlington - insisting the switch is purely football motivated.

The former Leeds United striker joined Quakers on a pay-as-you-play basis last week after leaving Portuguese side Beira Mar in May.

Wijnhard scored six goals in 13 appearances in Portugal, as well as an own goal against European Cup winners FC Porto last season.

After seeing moves to Sunderland, Oldham and Dubai fail to materialise in recent weeks, the 30-year-old is keen to let his feet do the talking.

"This move is not about a deal, it's about football," said Wijnhard. "You can sign a big deal or you can sign a small deal. The most important thing for me is that I'm playing football.

"I don't mind what the manager offers me, because it is up to me to show that I can score goals and hopefully stay longer."

And the Dutchman will have done his chances no harm, after scoring on his debut in Quakers' impressive 4-0 win over Southend on Saturday.

Wijnhard admitted he was flattered by the interest shown by manager David Hodgson.

"It's always good when you go somewhere and the manager really wants you," said Wijnhard.

"He told me the situation and basically said that I can come here and enjoy my football, which is what I intend to do."

And Wijnhard believes those intentions have been helped by his new teammates.

He said: "They are a good bunch of lads and they have looked after me since I came in so I can't complain.

"This was my first game for Darlington and I scored on my debut so I'm quite pleased.

"There is a good atmosphere in the team and everybody seems to have that will to win.

"We scored four goals so I think you can see the results.''

Wijnhard travelled from his Leeds home - on his own accord - to watch Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Field Mill.

He explained: "I've just joined the club so I just wanted to see how they played. It was the first time I had seen the lads play."

After starting his career with Dutch giants Ajax 12 years ago, where he scored twice in four appearances, Wijnhard had spells with Groningen, RKC Waalwijk, before moving to Leeds from Willem II in a £1.5m deal in 1998.

Making his debut at Middlesbrough - when Juninho also made his Boro bow - Wijnhard made just 18 league appearances at Elland Road during a 14-month stay, before moving to neighbours Huddersfield.

In his first season at the McAlpine Stadium, Wijnhard scored 15 goals for the Terriers.

However, he suffered a major setback in 2000 when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident near Thirsk.

But after 15 months on the sidelines, Wijnhard returned to action for Town, before spells at Preston and Oldham.

"I recovered well so I can't complain and here I am," said Wijnhard.

"It was difficult at the time but there was never any chance of me not playing again.''

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