STRAIGHT-TALKING David Hodgson last night accepted responsibility for Darlington's recent slump in results, but has vowed to rectify the situation and get their faltering season back on track.

In the wake of Quakers' latest defeat at Macclesfield at the weekend, Hodgson's patience - as well as the fans' - is beginning to wear thin with his under-achieving side.

The Quakers boss described Saturday's performance as "disgraceful", but insisted there was only one man to halt their demise this season - himself.

The inconsistency, which effectively cost them a play-off place last season, has already taken a firm grip this year, with Hodgson's men now five points adrift of a top seven spot.

"I pick the team and I have to take the blame when things go wrong," admitted Hodgson. "The Macclesfield game hurt everybody on Saturday and the fans deserve more.

"They have every right to criticise the manager after performances like that and it's up to me to do everything in my power to make sure they don't happen often."

And, while Hodgson refuses to look for excuses, the manager cannot help but feel aggrieved by the injuries and suspensions, which have hampered his hopes of establishing a settled side this season.

He said: "There is nothing I would like more than to be able to name the same starting XI, but it just hasn't been possible.

"We can't dwell on those situations and we have to make the most out of what we have."

Despite the arrival of Tresor Kandol - on-loan from Dagenham & Redbridge - Hodgson still has the finances to bring in another player following Clyde Wijnhard's move to Macclesfield Town.

Hodgson is still in the hunt for a striker following Michael Bridges' decision to join Carlisle United, while the addition of a midfielder has also been mooted.

But, having watched his side only score five times in the last 11 outings - including one own goal and a penalty - Hodgson could favour a move for a forward this week.

Read more about the Quakers here.