Darlington caretaker manager Craig Liddle has revealed today that he does not want the job on a permanent basis.

Liddle stepped into the breach after Mark Cooper was fired last week and chairman Raj Singh had offered him the opportunity to make the step up from the club’s youth section.

But although Liddle says he would like to be Quakers’ boss one day, for now he rather remain as head of youth as the chance to become manager has come too soon.

He said: “I think the chairman would’ve liked me to do the job, but my opinion is that it needs someone with a little bit more experience because there’s going to be a lot of wheeling and dealing that needs to be done.

“On top of that, there’s off-the-field problems that need sorting out, so it’s a huge job for whoever comes in and for a first managerial post I don’t think it would’ve been right for me.

“I’ve got my own future and my career to build and I don’t think it would’ve been the right step for me. I’d love to manage this club, but it wasn’t right for me at this time. I don’t want to go in and fail because I’m not prepared enough to do the job.

“It’s too big a step for someone of my age and experience.”

Liddle will be in charge of Darlington’s game at home to AFC Telford tomorrow, but he will be on his own in the dug-out as he the club’s only remaining coach. Chris Swailes, a friend who played League football for many years, helped out last Saturday, but tomorrow he will have commitments elsewhere.

*See tomorrow’s The Northern Echo for more on Craig Liddle’s decision to turn down the chance to become Darlington manager.