PHIL STAMP has revealed his decision to choose Darlington ahead of the chance to play at a higher level was motivated by the prospect of performing back in the North-East.

The 29-year-old signed a three-month deal with Quakers on Tuesday despite interest from several other clubs, including his old club Hearts' arch rivals Hibernian.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder was on trial at Coventry during the summer, while Hibs boss Tony Mowbray made an approach to take Stamp back to Scotland.

And, while Hearts were keen to re-sign the player in June, Middlesbrough-born Stamp had already made the decision to return to England.

He said: "I could have signed for one or two clubs in a higher division but my main priority was to be closer to home.

"It didn't really take much convincing for me to sign for Darlington, especially when you take a look around the place.

"The stadium is fantastic and would fit in the Premiership easily. I've been impressed with the facilities up at Maiden Castle too and now I'm just looking forward to playing.

"I've spent the last couple of weeks training with the club and it's a really good set-up."

After making 80 appearances for Hearts, Stamp reluctantly left in acrimonious circumstances in May following a spat with then manager John Robertson.

He said: "It was disappointing to leave Hearts in the first place, but I didn't feel as if I had much choice after falling out with the manager.

"Hearts invited me back when the manager left but I'd made my decision to come back home."

Manager David Hodgson has yet to decide whether Stamp will play in tomorrow night's League Two home clash with Macclesfield.

"I am lacking match practice and it is going to take two or three weeks to get that back," admitted Stamp. "I played for the reserves at Doncaster on Tuesday and that went alright so we will have to wait and see what happens."

Stamp is optimistic his new club will soon be back in the promotion picture. "All we need is a little run of games and we're back up there," he said.

Read more about the Quakers here.