DARLINGTON manager David Hodgson will have a significantly-increased transfer budget for next season to help with a promotion push, the club's chairman pledged last night.

George Houghton said the money made available to strengthen the squad will be "the envy of several other clubs" in League Two.

Hodgson has said he wants to bring in about five new players to build on the Quakers' eighth-place finish last season and Houghton said it was their priority to bring in strikers and midfielders.

Houghton said: "Financially, we have increased the budget by a lot of money, and have given the maximum amount we can give to the manager so he is successful in getting the right players.

"It's a significant amount of money, which other clubs in this league would be very envious of.

"I have discussed it with the manager, and we will be looking to get strikers and midfielders. We are looking at some very good footballers, but that is his job."

Five players - Joe Kendrick, Matty Appleby, Jonjo Dickman, Guy Bates and Adrian Webster - were freed this week, and Houghton said they were keen to bring in replacements.

"We have had to let a lot of lads go, but it is necessary to bring the right players to the club to deliver the ambitions of the fans," he said.

* Bradford City boss Colin Todd is keen on securing a quick deal for Hartlepool United winger Thomas Butler.

The former Sunderland man made 32 appearances last season and Todd wants the winger to remain in League One.

He said: "Wheels have been put in motion and we are confident that we will get the boy. He can play anywhere across the midfield and is somebody I know well.

"I tried to get him last season but that didn't happen but Julian Rhodes (chairman) has given me the green light and hopefully we can get it pushed through.

"He is 24 or 25 and has played in the Premiership.

"In fact he came in with a bit of a bang but then, for some reason, things just stood still.

"I don't know what happened and it didn't work out. But he's got a little bit of pedigree and would be a very good addition to the squad.''

Tweleve months ago, former Middlesbrough boss Todd returned to the North-East to sign Darlington winger Bobby Petta, but, despite scoring on his debut in the opening day win at Victoria Park, he failed to impress and has been told he can leave.

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