happy to be 'home' MARK Patterson says his move 'home' to Darwen is more than just a stop-gap measure.

The former Blackburn Rovers midfielder has signed for the NWCL Division Two side, who travel to Squires Gate in the Second Division Trophy tomorrow, after leaving Accrington Stanley last month.

The 35-year-old said he was pleased with the move. "I need to play football to keep my fitness up and I saw Matt Atkinson (Darwen's assistant manager) in the pub a couple of weeks ago and after a chat I decided I'd play for them.

"I got an offer to go back to Leigh RMI but after speaking with the coach I decided not too. I still might, though, if the offer is sweet enough.

"But I'm pleased with the move to Darwen. It is more than just a stop gap measure because I come from Darwen and I always said that one day I would play for them."

Patterson, who will this summer complete his UEFA coaching badge, has made no secret of his desire to move into management. And he recently set up a junior coaching school with former Bolton Wanderers winger David Lee.

"I fully expect to be managing a senior side somewhere -- although not necessarily in the Football League -- at the start of next season."