Stick with it Craig (From The Northern Echo)

Stick with it Craig

9:16am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Peter Barron By Peter Barron

Appreciated: Craig Liddle

There are some worrying comments in today's Northern Echo from Darlington manager Craig Liddle.

Craig is clearly close to the end of his tether and it's no wonder considering the situation he has found himself in through no fault of his own.

After his makeshift team - made up largely of youngsters - were beaten by Mansfield last night, he sounded particularly despondent.

He admits that he has been hurt by criticism from a small minority of fans and offers to step down if anyone better equipped to do the job comes forward.

The truth is that the vast majority of people fully appreciate that, without Craig Liddle, the club would have crumbled.

He has held it together incredibly well in the most difficult circumstances. He is working round the clock, running not just the first team but the youth team too and it is clearly having an impact on his family.

Off the field, the fundraising campaign is going better than anyone could have dared to hope. The first phase target of £250,000 has been reached and there is room for optimism that Darlington can survive.

But Craig Liddle needs to know that what he is doing is fully appreciated by everyone apart from a few idiots. He has worked tirelessly, supported his young team through thick and thin, and has maintained his dignity throughout.

Craig, you're a star - please stick with it.