Former Darlington heroes Brian Little and Kevan Smith won't be handing out any favours to their old club when Quakers go to Boothferry Park tomorrow.

Little was the manager and Smith the captain as Quakers won the Conference and Fourth Division titles in successive seasons - the last time a Darlington side won promotion.

Little went onto manage Leicester, Aston Villa, Stoke City and West Brom before being appointed manager at Hull City just before the end of last season.

And Smith, who played over 300 games for Quakers, left his job as Football in the Community Officer in the summer to join him. Another former Darlington player, Dave Moore, is also on the coaching staff, and midfielder Phil Brumwell was signed after he was released by Quakers during the summer.

"It's certainly been very interesting since we started at Hull," said Smith. "We had a lockout in the summer and couldn't get into the ground, and we've had an embargo on us signing players.

"Fortunately, we've overcome both those problems. We've been having problems with the taxman recently, and that doesn't help to focus players.

"We're pleased with our progress this season. We started off badly and were at the bottom of the league, but we're now up to twelfth in the table. The players are working to a system they understand.

"Our problem is that we draw too many games. We've drawn nine this season, and four of those have been at home. It's true what is said about a sleeping giant, The interest is huge here - I just hope Brian and I can wake it up."

Smith reckons he hasn't given tomorrow's game much thought.

"I've watched Darlington two or three times this season, so we know what they're like," he said.

"It's not going to be an easy game, but it will be between two evenly matched teams who haven't scored many goals this season. I know it's a much-used clich, but I've still got a great affinity for Darlington after spending ten years there.

"I've still got a lot of friends there - but I might not have so many after Saturday!"

Darlington's youth team drew 0-0 with York on Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup, and must replay at Bootham Crescent next week.