Darlington chief executive Andy Battison will open talks with David Hodgson next week, with the manager's future topping the agenda.

The Quakers boss will be back at his desk on Monday, and is expected to sit down with Battison and Sterling financier Stewart Davies after his short-term deal expired on May 31.

In November, Hodgson signed a contract with Quakers until the end of the season, where he steered the club clear of relegation.

And Echo SPORT understands tentative discussions have already taken place to keep Hodgson at the club on a long-term basis.

"I spoke to David before he went on holiday and we agreed that when he was back we would talk about where we were and where we want to go," said Battison.

"David has already met with the players to discuss next season. As far as I'm concerned David remains fully committed to Darlington Football Club.

"We will be sitting down with David at the earliest opportunity when he gets back, where we will be looking to re-negotiate a more realistic contract with him."

Last month Hodgson expressed his growing concern over the way the club was being run on a day-to-day basis.

However, any fears the Quakers boss could quit were allayed with the appointment of Battison a fortnight ago.

And with the arrival of commercial manager Bill Gorrill this week, Battison said: "While David has been away we have been able to put together an off-field structure.

"At the moment it's a case of building blocks and getting everything in place.

"We're optimistic and I think we've already made significant steps in moving forward."

As well as discussing his own future, Hodgson will hold talks with Matt Clarke, who is considering a switch to Notts County.

Clarke recently took up a one-year option to remain with Quakers, but relegated County have reportedly offered improved terms.

Hodgson will hope to make his first signings of the summer next week with Dean Windass close to agreeing a two-year deal, and Sam Russell and Stephen Thomas expected to move to Neasham Road on one-year contracts.

l Huddersfield manager Peter Jackson has agreed a new three-year contract with the club he led to promotion from Division Three via the play-offs last month.

The 43-year-old still had a year to run on his current deal, but the Town board have moved swiftly to tie him to the club after he was recently linked with the vacancy at Leeds.

l Scunthorpe manager Brian Laws has snapped up veteran Notts County midfielder Ian Baraclough.

The 33-year-old journeyman becomes Laws' third summer signing following the arrivals of Paul Musselwhite and Andy Crosby to Glanford Park.