Things were beginning to look a bit brighter for Darlington before Saturday, having taken five points out of a possible nine.

For long periods of the game it was hard to see which team were second in the table and which one was near the bottom. The first goal we conceded was a good strike, but the second was the type of freak goal that all 'keepers must have nightmares about.

It wasn't the best back-pass in the world, but everyone expected Andy Collett to deal with it comfortably. But it zipped off the surface and between his legs.

Every Darlington supporter will tell you how good Andy is and I don't think there is a better keeper outside the top two divisions. But that won't stop the amount of mickey- taking he will receive this week.

To be honest, once we had calmed down after the game the banter started and Andy could just about manage a grin by then. But I am sure by Saturday it will all be forgotten and he will be back to his very best.

Chris Turner's decision to leave Hartlepool for Sheffield Wednesday might have surprised a few. With Hartlepool flying high in our division and Sheffield struggling both on and off the pitch it might have seemed a bit strange, but the chance to manage the team he supported as a boy was just too good for him to turn down.

I think everyone in the North-East, even the Darlington fans, can see what a fantastic job he has done at Pool and he fully deserves his chance to manage a big club. But the way the tables look he might be back at Hartlepool sooner than he hoped.

Niall Quinn announced his retirement at the weekend. I'd never met or played against him, but all the lads who have played alongside him at Sunderland can't speak highly enough of him.

His gesture to donate his testimonial money to charity was brilliant and proved footballers are not as greedy as some people say we are.

I am sure he will be a success at whatever career he chooses next and I'm certain he will never be forgotten by the Sunderland supporters.

Finally, my Middlesbrough Under-11 side were back in action after having a couple of games rained off. They were excellent again, beating Newcastle 4-2. The way they are going I might try to tempt a couple of the strikers to come and help us out with a few goals at Darlington.

Published: 12/11/2002