Darlington defender Simon Betts has thrown his support behind Mick Tait's bid to become the next Quakers boss.

Middlesbrough-born Betts, like so many of his teammates, is enjoying a new lease of life under Tait and the 29-year-old believes the caretaker boss has done enough to earn the job.

"Mick has done a fantastic job since he took over and I think he deserves a shot at it," said Betts.

"In everybody else's eyes there is only one man for the job but there's only one man who decides whether he gets the job or not.

"He's certainly pulled things around and the lads are putting in as much as they can for him. But it's up to the chairman."

Tait's record of just one defeat in eight games is a stark contrast to Tommy Taylor's disastrous start to a campaign which saw Quakers claim just three wins in 16 outings.

Betts revealed Tait's confidence in letting players play their own game is one reason why the side is doing so well.

"The biggest difference has probably been the fact that the players throughout the team have been given a bit of freedom," said Betts.

"The good thing is all the lads are playing for each other. Unlike other teams in the division, we like to concentrate on playing football rather than resorting to long balls all the time."

Betts admitted Sunday's FA Cup third round draw which paired Quakers with Farnborough wasn't exactly ideal but warned the Conference side will be no pushovers.

"We have to be disappointed we haven't drawn a big club," said Betts.

"It's another tricky tie for us but if we go about our work in the same way we did against Stevenage then we shouldn't have a problem."

l Hartlepool United have been paid 'five-figure sums' by two clubs after agreeing to put back a Victoria Park fixture, writes PAUL FRASER.

The Division Three leaders were scheduled to take on Scunthorpe on Friday December 20.

However, that clash will now take place the following day so The Iron can play their FA Cup replay with Carlisle live on Sky Sports on the Thursday.

Pool had initially turned down Scunthorpe's request to switch the match. But both the Glanford Park outfit and Carlisle agreed a compensation package with the North-East club just minutes before Monday's 5pm deadline and all parties are happy with the outcome.

Scunthorpe and the Cumbrians will eash receive £100,000 for playing in front of the Sky TV cameras at Brunton Park.

Read more about the Quakers here.