New Darlington manager David Hodgson has defended his decision to relieve Craig Liddle of the club captaincy despite angry letters from fans.

Hodgson last night revealed he has received a number of hateful messages after appointing Neil Maddison as the new skipper in succession to fans' favourite, Liddle.

However, Hodgson has hit back, claiming it would be wrong for people outside the club to make their own assumptions, especially given the sensitivity of the situation.

"I received some very abusive letters in relation to why I gave him the captain's role," said Hodgson.

"It was a decision I made with a lot of thought and consideration and one which I think will be of benefit to this football club.

"People don't know the full inside as to why I've done it."

It was on Hodgson's appointment a fortnight ago that Maddison succeeded Liddle as captain.

And Hodgson insists his decision to relieve Liddle of the captaincy has been taken in good faith by the influential defender, who has had worries away from football to contend with.

"I know Craig Liddle better than anybody in terms of football and socially too," said Hodgson.

"I brought him to this football club and I know how he thinks, how he works and how he trains.

"He is a fantastic player to have around and I'm sure he'll continue to give 110 per cent whether he's captain or not."

Hodgson, meanwhile, was full of praise for loan duo Ross Turnbull and Craig James, who both impressed.

Turnbull played his first and last game on loan from Middlesbrough on Saturday after he was called up for the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the month.

Hodgson said: "Keepers talk about clean sheets in the changing room and the boy got a clean sheet.

"He made one very good save and on top of that his handling was good.

"He was everything Middlesbrough Football Club said he would be."

Sunderland full-back James enjoyed a lively debut, despite playing his third game in four days.

"When you have youngsters like that and their attitude is right you don't have a problem with them," said Hodgson.

"Craig had already played twice this week for Sunderland so to come in and do so well was very pleasing."

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