Michael Cummins has revealed the ambition of Darlington manager David Hodgson was one of the reasons behind his decision to quit Port Vale.

The 27-year-old signed a two-year deal at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena on Friday after rejecting a new contract at Vale Park, as well as other offers from the Championship and League One.

Cummins returns to the North-East, six-and-a-half years after leaving Middlesbrough for Port Vale. Hodgson also persuaded Barry Conlon to return to the club after he was deemed surplus to requirements by Barnsley.

"I had one offer from the Championship and turned down several offers from League One for more money than at Vale because my first priority was signing again for Vale," said Cummins.

"But when Darlington came in I felt this was the right thing. They are ambitious and I was very impressed after speaking to the manager. The club also seem to have the facilities to progress."

Cummins had intended to return to the North-East at the end of his career so that he and his wife could be closer to her family. But, following the birth of their second child ten days ago, Darlington's offer was lodged at the right time.

"There has been a lot of soul searching," admitted Cummins. "But family had to come first."

Despite the captures of Cummins and Conlon, Hodgson hopes to add at least one more face, before he leaves for a holiday this week.

With the future of Matt Clarke yet to be resolved, Hodgson has held talks with a central defender.

Clarke has yet to make a decision on a one-year deal offered by Hodgson, who is exploring alternatives. Chris Hope is an option after the former Quakers defender was released by Gillingham.

Injury-hit Phil Stamp is likely to remain with the club next season. A calf problem restricted Stamp to just nine appearances last season, but Hodgson insists Stamp still has a future at the club.

"We know the reason why he kept breaking down and if he can lose six or seven pounds that will help solve the problem," said Hodgson.

The Darlington Supporters Club are holding a World Cup Quiz in the Corner Bar on Sunday, June 11. Starting at 4pm, entrance is £1 and there will be cash prizes.

* Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder is expected to complete his backroom reshuffle this week after offering Kevin Bond a coaching role.

Bond, assistant manager to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, has been offered a senior coaching role with the Magpies.

He is expected to work alongside Tommy Craig, who has been promoted from his previous role as reserve-team boss, with Lee Clark taking charge of Newcastle's second string while also continuing to be registered as a player.

Bond was a scout for West Ham during Roeder's two-year reign at Upton Park.

After a playing career that took in Bournemouth, Norwich, Manchester City and Southampton, he entered management with Stafford Rangers before joining the coaching staff at Maine Road.

He was appointed assistant manager to Alan Ball at Portsmouth in May 1998 but followed Redknapp to Southampton, only to return to Fratton Park with the current Pompey manager five months ago.

It is understood a switch to the North-East appeals to Bond, and he is likely to be appointed this week.

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Albert Luque has claimed last summer's move to the Magpies cost him his World Cup place.

The left winger looked a certainty for the Spain squad when he left Deportivo La Coruna in a £9.5m move last August.

But after making just six Premiership starts, Luque was axed from Luis Aragones' plans.

With Newcastle looking to offload him on a season-long loan, the 27-year-old has admitted he does not know where he will be playing next season.

"I don't know 100 per cent where my future lies," said Luque. "Things haven't gone as well as I wanted, but if I have to return to England, I'll happily do it.

"I've had problems with injuries and with the coach. But I am going to start next season at full fitness."

Luque has returned to his homeland, and admits he might have been spending the next month in Germany had he stayed in Spain last season.

"The national coach has always favoured others more than me," he added. "Perhaps if I had stayed at Deportivo I would still be in the squad.