DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson last night expressed his desire to "excite fans" with his next signing.

After watching his side move into the play-off zone following last week's comprehensive win at Oxford, Hodgson does not believe there is a better time to strengthen his squad.

But, in true Hodgson fashion, the Quakers boss has vowed to woo supporters with his next acquisition.

Last season Hodgson pulled off major transfer coups when he persuaded several former Premiership players to join Quakers.

However, it is unlikely Hodgson will go down a similar path this time around.

"We don't want somebody who will just improve the team, but who will also excite the fans," said Hodgson.

"At the moment we are looking for that something different, a player who will give everyone a real buzz."

One player who could fit the bill is Spanish winger Juanjo. The skillful 28-year-old is training with Quakers after being told he can leave Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The former Hearts and Bradford player impressed during a practice match on Tuesday and Hodgson admitted: "The lad did well and we will be having another look at him."

Juanjo is one of several trialists Hodgson is assessing in training this week, although it is unlikely that any permanent moves will be made in time for Saturday's visit of Mansfield.

Quakers are unbeaten at home since September, stretching nine games - their best run at the ground they moved to in 2003.

But that is less than half the sequence Hodgson achieved when he guided Quakers to the play-off final in 2000, when they went 22 games unbeaten at Feethams.

"We are starting to believe in ourselves more at home now and the run shows that," said Hodgson.

"When you look back to 2000, our home form was second to none and we really should have gone up automatically. We must maintain this run at home and if it continues then we'll be in with a very good shout at the end of the season."

Meanwhile, Tresor Kandol insists he left Darlington on good terms, despite turning down a permanent move earlier this month.

A fee had been agreed for the 24-year-old to join Quakers following a loan spell but the striker opted to return to Dagenham & Redbridge.

"I went up there and it didn't work out," said Kandol. "I couldn't see myself living up there for more than a year or 18 months and I always do what's best for my family."

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