Bristol City are considering an approach for Darlington manager David Hodgson - but Darlington chairman George Reynolds has declared that Hodgson will be staying.

The Second Division side are looking for their fifth manager in 18 months because of the recent resignation of Tony Fawthrop and this week have interviewed former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Wilson.

But City are thought to be covering their options in case they don't land Wilson, who was sacked by Wednesday in early April.

Former Wolves manager Mark McGhee, who had a spell coaching at Hartlepool last season, is also in the running, as well as former Manchester City defender Keith Curle.

But it will be a big surprise to Darlington fans if Hodgson, who returns from holiday at the weekend, does leave Feethams. Last season he passionately pledged his future to the club, and after the Wembley play-off defeat, he broke down in tears in the players' tunnel.

And chairman Reynolds - who vowed he would make Hodgson a "legend" when he took over the club - again reiterated his support for the manager while travelling to today's meeting of Football League chairmen in Chester.

"Before we played Hartlepool in the play-offs, I said that the manager would be staying whether we won promotion or not, and that is still the case.. This talk of him going to Bristol City is a load of rubbish.

"David and I only spoke on the phone this morning and Bristol City wasn't mentioned.

"In fact, we spoke about next season's strategy, and what we're going to do.''