DEFENDER Michael Brough, who found himself out in the cold as the rest of Torquay United's squad won promotion back to the Football League in May, is poised to return with the rest of the Gulls' squad for pre-season training next week.

"Michael gets a chance to come back, and he wants to come back," revealed United manager Paul Buckle.

"Everybody gets a fresh start on July 6. Everybody will be treated the same as everybody else."

Brough, 27, got few chances last season — only three starts and one substitute appearance — after signing a two-year contract from Forest Green Rovers a year ago.

He enjoyed a 13 game loan spell at Salisbury City, with Gulls teammate Chris Todd, before being recalled in early-April.

But he was sent off in a 2-2 draw, away to Salisbury City, on his first-team return for Torquay on Easter Monday.

From then on Brough did not figure in Buckle's squad for the club's last six Blue Square Premier and Play-Off matches.

Buckle would not go into detail, beyond commenting: "A management decision had to be made which was right for Torquay United, and I think we got it right."

FORMER Torquay United midfielder Matt Hockley has told Truro City boss Sean McCarthy he is unlikely to return to the club for a second season despite skippering the side to promotion. But former Gulls defender Matt Villis has been linked with City who have already signed former Exeter City men Marcio de Santos Gaia, Les Afful and Danny Clay.

DARLINGTON Boss Colin Todd has reached agreement with 10 new summer signings. Skipper Steve Foster, defender Ian Miller and young keeper Nick Liversedge have been retained as the Quakers prepare to come out of administration. Incomers at the League Two club could include veteran striker Dean Windass and Poland U20 defender Ben Starosta.

CHESTERFIELD defender Gregor Robertson, who was out of contract at Saltergate, has agreed a new one-year deal with the League Two side, which will expire in June 2010.

BURTON ALBION have signed winger Robin Shroot, 21, from Birmingham City on a season-long loan. The Northern Ireland Under-21 international signed at St Andrews from non-league outfit Harrow Borough in the winter transfer window. Shroot made one appearance for the Blues while he spent the latter part of last campaign on loan at Walsall.

SHREWSBURY TOWN midfielder Ben Davies has turned down a contract with the League Two club and will leave the Prostar stadium.

Davies, who had been offered a new deal by Shrews boss Paul Simpson, joined Town from Chester City in 2006.

Davies has been linked with League Two rivals Notts County and several League One sides.