Gary Bennett ended his four-year association with Darlington this week with one regret - not being afforded a longer stay in the hot seat.

In October 2001, following a turbulent 15 months during which fans never warmed to Bennett, he relinquished his position and reverted to reserve team coach having also served the club as player and a coach.

But it is his stint as first-team manager which will best be remembered by Darlington fans.

Bennett was not given an easy ride by supporters who were anxious to see Quakers go one step further than they had in 2000, when Darlington lost in the play-off final.

He took up the reins in August 2000 after David Hodgson left and was faced with a squad bereft of the likes of Marco Gabbiadini, Neal Heaney, Michael Oliver and Steve Tutill, all of whom had helped take Quakers to the previous season's play-off final.

In his first season, working under financial conditions less favourable than his predecessor, Quakers finished just four points off the bottom spot in 20th.

His second term at the helm saw relative success as he steered Darlington into the play-off zone but despite a win at rivals Hartlepool, pressure grew following some poor performances.

He believes if the fans had stuck by him rewards may have followed and to back up his theory Bennett pin-points Hartlepool chief Chris Turner. After a terrible beginning to the season, Turner's side were 20th on the day Bennett stepped down with Darlington in the top ten.

He said: "At Hartlepool, people showed patience and gave the man time and eventually they got into the play-offs.

"Management was a struggle in the first year, but in the second year we were starting to get it right - we just couldn't put the ball in the net.

"We were in ninth position and just three points away from the play-offs but three bad results in October cost me.

"I wish I had had more time but that says it all about the industry we're in," he said.

He left the club on Thursday having turned down the offer of working without a contract next season and is now looking for a coaching or management position.

After already being awarded the UEFA B coaching certificate, he plans to take his final coaching badge.

"I haven't ruled out management. I enjoyed it and I like coaching so it hasn't put me off. I've got belief in my ability."

Read more about the Quakers here.