DARLINGTON skipper Craig Liddle returns with the rest of Mick Tait's depleted squad for pre-season training today confident of welcoming some new faces in the coming weeks.

After seeing eight players depart in the summer, Quakers boss Tait has so far struggled to make any progress in the transfer market, with unsuccessful approaches for Tom Newey and Sam Aiston.

However, former Middlesbrough defender Liddle remains hopeful of seeing some new additions before the start of the season, which kicks off with a difficult trip to Hull City on August 9.

"The squad at the minute is very small but I'm sure we'll be adding to it in the next week or two," said Liddle.

"It should be a very interesting time. We'll just have to wait and see who the boss manages to bring in.

"It is frustrating when you see other clubs bringing players in but we just have to be patient."

Stuart Whitehead's departure for Nationwide Conference side Telford United last week left Quakers with just 17 contracted players, which includes youngsters Chris Hughes, Russell Waller and Gary Alexander, as well as inexperienced trio Mark Convery, David McGurk and Mark Sheeran who amassed just 12 appearances between them last season.

And Liddle, who forged a solid partnership alongside Whitehead towards the end of last season, last night spoke of his shock at the defender's departure.

"I was very surprised when he decided to step out of the league," said Liddle.

"He's a good player and was a great lad to have in the dressing room.

"He will be a huge loss to the team and a difficult player to replace."

Liddle meanwhile has backed their opening day opponents Hull - linked with a move for the 32-year-old last season - to be strong contenders for the Third Division title this season, along with big- spending Northampton who were relegated last season.

"Both clubs have been very busy in the transfer market and I think they will both be hard to beat this season," said Liddle.

"Hull will be a very tough opening game for us but hopefully by then we'll have a few more players on show. And providing we can keep our squad together the play-offs might be in our reach."

Liddle is still recovering from a knee operation and will only resume light training this morning after going under the surgeon's knife during the summer.

"I'm going back to see the specialist on Thursday so I'll probably have to take it easy for the first few days of pre-season," said Liddle.

"I want to join in with the rest of the lads but I'll have to keep an eye on things. I've done a little bit of fitness work myself and I feel OK but I have to be careful."

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