THERE was a time when only the Press were known to judge a player's performance, usually with the much-maligned marks out of ten.

So often a talking point on a Monday morning after training, a feeble four or a nifty nine would ensure endless ribbing between teammates and, more often than not, demand in-depth explanations from those who gave out the marks.

Now Darlington manager David Hodgson and right-hand man Mark Proctor are getting in on the act, playing the critics themselves in a bid to keep Quakers' promotion bid on track.

Hodgson and Proctor have drawn up a scheme - literally - which they hope will get the best out of their squad.

Earlier this week, as Hodgson was speaking to the Press outside Quakers' Durham training headquarters, Proctor made his way across, shaking his head and smiling.

"They're having a right go in there," Proctor shouted across to Hodgson, in reference to the marks dished out to the players, pinned up on a board, after another intense work-out in the Durham sunshine.

"Well, that's what it's there for," replied Hodgson, satisfied that their latest brainwave was having the desired effect.

While Proctor has implemented many useful training exercises from his time as Middlesbrough Academy coach, their latest idea is a result of Hodgson's obsession with all things Darlington.

"At home I sit and think how to make this a better club," said Hodgson. "I'm not Einstein, but I am prepared to do anything for the good of Darlington.

"If a player makes three similar errors we mark it down for them to see at the end of training.

"They're constantly getting feedback every day, which keeps them on their toes."

Observations consist of several areas, including concentration, attitude, technical ability and work-rate, among others.

"Instead of talking to them all the time it's there for them in black and white," said Hodgson. "If they see that they're below par in one area they can do better next time.

"They're only a young team and they still need to learn. I don't tell my children to look left and right now when they cross the road. They've been told and they've learned from it."

This afternoon, revision time is over as Hodgson puts his side to the test at Mansfield Town.

Fifth-placed Quakers travel to Field Mill, where they will welcome back skipper Matt Clarke after a one-match ban.

Clarke's return will see Shelton Martis compete with David Duke for the right-back birth.

Goalkeeper Sam Russell returned to full training this week, although Hodgson may give the Teessider a further week to rest a calf problem.

Midfielder Matty Appleby will not travel after taking a knock playing for the reserves against Hartlepool on Wednesday.

Quakers have not won at Mansfield on their last five visits - their last success came in a 2-1 win under Hodgson in 2000.

"I remember we battered them that day but we haven't won there since," said Hodgson. "Those kind of records are there to be broken and I have every confidence that we can come away with three points."

After seven games and just one defeat - at home to Leyton Orient - Hodgson has been satisfied with the way his side have started the season.

"Apart from the Orient blip we have performed how I know we can," said Hodgson. "Our form was erratic last season and we couldn't really get much of a run going to keep up with the top teams.

"This time around I think we have found a good level to work from and I think they will only get better the longer they play together as a team.

"Of course there are areas we need to work on but I'm happy with the way we're progressing as a team at the moment."

In stark contrast, the pressure is on Hodgson's former Sheffield Wednesday teammate Carlton Palmer, who was this week given the dreaded vote of confidence from the Mansfield board.

Fifth-bottom Town have won just once this season and Hodgson said: "I know Carlton very well and I don't wish any manager to fail. I hope he will be given a fair chance, even if we do go there and beat them on Saturday."