Darlington boss Tommy Taylor laid down the law yesterday when he sacked classy French defender Alex Jeannin for breaking the club's curfew rules.

Having listened to speculation surrounding Jeannin's social habits, strict disciplinarian Taylor checked that the rumours had some foundation.

"I had people out watching him," explained Taylor. "I gave him a letter on Thursday warning him, and then he went out in the evening.

"So I gave him another letter and he went out on Friday, so he's gone.

"I've told his agent and the player and as far as I know he's gone back to France.

"Any players that I find have been out drinking on a Thursday or Friday night will be sacked. I am not having it at this club.

"He's left for breaking club rules. Forty-eight hours before a game, players should be in the house resting, not out on the town."

Having arrived at Feethams in March, Jeannin was initially an impressive performer and earned a contract until 2003, but his form has deteriorated and he was dropped after a 3-0 defeat at Shrewsbury last month.

The Troyes-born 23-year-old has made 13 appearances for Quakers this term but during those he's managed to accumulate six yellow cards since August.

Lee Hodges, the Scunthorpe United right winger who Taylor accused of diving to earn his team a first-half penalty on Saturday, has admitted he was looking for a penalty when challenged by David Brightwell.

Speaking on Scunthorpe's official web-site, the former West Ham United player confessed: "The lad just trod on my toe and you don't need to be asked twice to go down."

The reserves play at Feethams against Walsall (7pm) this evening. Season ticket holders must use voucher J to gain free admission.

*The Newton Aycliffe branch of the Darlington Supporters Club hold their December meeting on Tuesday (7.30pm) at the Iron Horse in Emerson Way. Guest speakers will be Tommy Taylor and Ian Clark.

* Torquay United have placed striker Tony Bedeau and midfielder David Graham on the transfer list.

Read more about the Quakers here.