"ONE of the best young coaches in the country" was how Darlington chairman George Reynolds described Gary Bennett when he succeeded David Hodgson as manager two years ago.

But today Bennett locks horns with his former club in Mick Tait's first game in charge as caretaker boss. While Bennett is settling into his new role as Neil McNab's No 2 at St. James' Park, Tait is looking to make a winning start as both clubs struggle at the wrong end of the table.

"I've been asked a few times whether I would take a point down there and obviously I would. But but we'll be going for three because we need three," said Tait.

"As much as we need three points, so do they. They're two places below us so it's going to be a really tough game."

Exeter lie third from bottom in the Third Division, just two points behind Quakers and skipper Craig Liddle believes this is the kind of game they must get points from.

"It's important we don't lose because they are down there with us. If we lose it means they've pulled away from us a little bit so it's important we get something out of the game," said Liddle.

The captain believes Tait's appointment gives every player an equal opportunity to show their worth.

"The lads are looking forward to it. Obviously it's a new start for a lot of players who have been out of the picture with Tommy and now have a good chance under Mick.

"So it's up to them to keep their place if they get in," he added.

Indeed, how the players respond today could well determine whether Tait will get the job on a permanent basis.

The former Hartlepool manager has stated he would love to take over the Darlington reins, but names such as Scarborough boss Russell Slade and Brian Little have already been mentioned in connection with the vacant post.

However, George Reynolds has ruled out Little as a contender due to the former manager's unwillingness to uproot his family from the Midlands, while Scarborough chairman Malcolm Reynolds yesterday categorically denied that any approach for Slade had been made by his opposite number and namesake at Feethams.

"It's flattering that Russell's name is linked with every vacancy in the Nationwide League at present," said Malcolm Reynolds.

"However, Russell is under a long-term contract with us and any move to appoint him would have to be made only once I had sanctioned it. I have not been approached by Darlington."

Other names linked with the vacancy include Little's former assistant at Hull, Kevan Smith, Spennymoor manager Tony Lee, former Scarborough boss Colin Addison, and Roy McFarland.

Meanwhile, Bennett will be putting sentiment to one side today and concentrating on getting a much-needed win.

"I'm looking at it as just another game," said Bennett.

"My time at Darlington has been and gone. I'm looking ahead now and at the end of the day, the main thing is that we get three points. My loyalties there have ended.

"I had some brilliant times there. I get on with the chairman, who is a character, and still speaks to me every week and I've got a lot of friends still at Darlington. Mick Tait was my assistant when I was there."

"There are a lot of people I brought into the club like Fordy (Mark Ford), Neil Maddison, Barry Conlon, so obviously I still have a lot of ties there.

"But you have got to move on."

Bennett is still highly regarded by players at the club and Liddle revealed he was almost liked too much.

"All the lads thought Gary was brilliant. We got on really well with him, possibly too well at times because he's such a nice man," said Liddle.

"Obviously after Saturday we wish him all the best in his future down there."

Liddle wasn't expected to be fit for today's game, but Tait hopes to have the inspirational defender back after he made a quicker than expected recovery from a thigh injury.

Tait said: "Craig had that gash opened up again last week, but it has healed remarkably well in a few days so we've not ruled him out.

"We have to be careful, we can't keep damaging the same area all the time because it will end up quite nasty.

"He's determined to play, that's the type of character he is. He wants to play desperately."

Another player also in contention is Stuart Whitehead, who played against Boston last Saturday despite a slight hamstring niggle but was rested in the midweek defeat at Stockport.

"Stuart's coming on well," said Tait.

"He's very similar to last week, when he managed to play against Boston after struggling all week.

"It's pretty much the same this week. If Stuart isn't right we might have to give him a rest at the weekend.

"If he does play he may have to miss Tuesday but we'll take it as it comes. If he says he's fit to play then we will be delighted to have him back."

Richard Hodgson staked his claim for a starting place with an impressive display at Edgeley Park on Tuesday night and Tait agreed that the team's performance as a whole had presented him with a selection headache.

"Every player who played at Stockport must come into my thoughts because they were absolutely outstanding," he said.

"Until we put the ball in the net then it's going to be hard but as long as we continue to create the chances then they will eventually go in.

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