CARETAKER manager Craig Liddle does not expect to be given the Darlington job on a permanent basis after losing at Hinckley United last night, a result he described as being the “lowest point” in his time at the club.

Quakers were trounced 3-0 in an FA Cup replay in Leicestershire, and Liddle, who joined Quakers as a player from Middlesbrough 13 years ago, believes the result ends any chance he had of succeeding Mark Cooper as manager.

He had been pondering whether or not to leave the youth set-up if asked by chairman Raj Singh, but said last night: “I don’t think there’s a decision for me to make now and I don’t think there’s a decision for the chairman to make anymore.

I’ve been at the club since 1998 and this is my lowest point, I’m shell-shocked.

“We’ve had some low points over the years, things like administration a couple of times, but I’m so upset and hurt by this.

“So I can’t see myself being manager, I don’t think there’s a question now after what I’ve just seen. I’m so upset you wouldn’t believe it and I won’t sleep for three nights now.”

Similar to Saturday’s 1-1 draw at The Northern Echo Arena, Darlington wasted openings to take the lead.

Liddle added: “You miss the kinds of chances we did and sooner or later you’re going to get punished.

“They went begging in the first 20 minutes, but credit to Hinckley because they looked like they wanted it more.

“Don’t take anything away from Hinckley, they took their chances and did a job.

But to lose to a part-time outfit 3-0 is pretty embarrassing as far as I’m concerned.

“You can’t come to Hinckley and lose 3-0 when you’re a professional outfit.

“I accept responsibility because I put the 11 players out there.”