JUST over ten years after first joining Darlington, Craig Liddle yesterday returned to the club in a coaching capacity and described his return as being "fantastic".

Regarded as a club legend by most, Liddle is to work in the youth section - an area he has gained plenty of experience in since retiring from playing three years ago.

As a whole-hearted defender he became a huge favourite by making over 300 appearances in a eight-year period before his playing days had to end in 2005.

Since then Liddle, 36, has coached junior sides in the academies at both Sunderland and Middlesbrough and for past two years he has been football development manager at Darlington College.

But he always hoped to return to a more senior role within football and he began work yesterday in Quakers' school of excellence where he becomes Head of Youth and replaces Mick Tait who left the club earlier this season.

Liddle, from Chester-le-Street, began studying for his coaching badges before a stomach muscle injury meant he had to hang up his boots after which he continued to study for coaching qualifications.

He now holds the UEFA A Licence as well as the Academy Director's licence.

Quakers' departing managing director Barry Simmonds and manager Dave Penney were involved in bringing Liddle back and he said: "To return to Darlington is fantastic.

"I had an amazing time here as a player and captain and I hope that I can make a real difference at youth level.

"I will spend the first weeks accessing the set up and then I want to combine my own ideas with the best I have seen at other academies.

"I want to make Darlington the first choice for local boys wanting to pursue a career in professional football.

"I have spent time at the Middlesbrough academy, which is acknowledged as one of the best in the country. If, over the next few years, we can discover a David Wheater or a Stewart Downing for Darlington then I know I will have done a good job.

"This club has stability and in Dave Penney one of the best managers in the lower leagues.

"I had extensive conversations with Dave and Barry Simmonds and they convinced me that Darlington was the place to progress my career.

"The recent decision to grant planning approval for the new development is the icing on the cake, and will give Darlington enviable facilities.

"I am excited about the challenges ahead and delighted to be returning to the Quakers at a very positive time in the club's history."

Liddle first joined Darlington on loan from Middlesbrough in 1998, making his debut on February 21 in a defeat at Mansfield Town.

He went on to make the number four shirt his own during almost a decade of service in which he made a total of 322 appearances in all competitions, putting him 11th in Quakers' all-time appearance standings.

Liddle is probably best remembered by Darlington fans for scoring the first goal in the first leg of the 2-0 play-off semi-final win over Hartlepool United in 2000. He was rewarded for his service with a testimonial at the Darlington Arena against former club Middlesbrough in 2005.

Penney added: "The youth development set-up is vital to any football club, but particularly at our level.

"To bring local youngsters through the ranks who are good enough to play in the first team, not only saves the club financially but also encourages others to realise that if they are good enough they will be given the opportunity to play."

*Tickets are now on sale for Darlington's final game of the season at Peterborough United on Saturday, May 3.

The match will be all-ticket and Quakers have been allocated 1,500 tickets. Season ticket holders have until Wednesday, April 16 to purchase their tickets after which they will go on general sale.

They are priced £15 adults, £12 concessions (senior citizens, students and disabled) and £9 juniors (up to 16 years old) and are available from the ticket office at the Darlington Arena.