Washington Nissan manager Gavin Liddle is set to quit before this afternoon's Second Division game with South Shields - unless his committee give him more backing.

Liddle, who has guided the team into the promotion race from the Wearside League in three years, is annoyed that he has had to take responsibilities which he feels can be done by his committee.

"I am very unhappy with the workload I have got," said the former Darlington full-back.

"I have had to do all sorts of jobs in the last few weeks, which have got nothing at all to do with my role as team manager.

"I am very serious about quitting. The committee must give me more help or I'm going."

The managerial merry-go-round appears to be gathering speed, because in midweek Peterlee parted company with their manager Neil Hixon,. who had been in charge for just two months. Bobby Huntingdon takes charge for this afternoon's home game with Billingham Town in the First Division.

There could be changes to the team which lost 5-1 at Marske in midweek, while Town recall keeper Darren Collier and full-back Lee Tucker, while Richie Ward, David Gallagher and Andrew Swalwell are all injured.

Durham City, who are unbeaten under new boss Billy Cruddas, are at second-placed Bedlington.

Former Sunderland defender Dickie Ord is doubtful with a head injury, while midfielder Steve Walklate and striker Steve Halliday will both have fitness tests.

Bedlington have a doubt over defender Martin Kirkby, who has a back injury, while Nicky Scaife and Warren Teasdale are both injured.

League leaders Brandon include new signing Richie Alderson from Gateshead in their squad away to Chester-le-Street. Rob Bowman, Rob Marsden and Darryl Smith are all struggling with injuries, but they are hoping that Steve Huggins can return to the midfield after injury. Chester-le-Street, who lost 7-2 at Harrogate in the Cup on Monday, are hoping that defender Damien Maw and midfielder Tony Nelson can return.

West Auckland, who are at home to Dunston, will give four players, Simon Rogers, James Lang, Phil Nicholson and David Bainbridge, fitness tests before the game, although there is the possibility of a new signing.

Dunston will give defenders Billy Irwin and Phil Brown late tests, while striker Ben Thompson is missing because of a broken hand. Shildon, who tackle on Jarrow Roofing at Dean Street, expect Gary Barnes to return to the squad.

Billingham Synthonia, who are in fourth place, welcome back defender Andy Harbron to their squad at home to Prudhoe.

Esh Winning, who are at home to Washington, include full-back Neil Emerson after injury in their squad, while Washington are without injured centre-half John Curtis. Striker Michael Stubbs and keeper Michael Norris return.

Consett, who are bottom, are hoping that striker Tony Halliday will return at Guisborough, to whom they lost on the opening day of the season. Rod Butler and Darren Grimes also come back into the side, but Andrew Thompson is suspended.

Guisborough, who have lost just once in the league this season, are without defender Micky Waller and midfielder Simon Kasonali.

In the second division, Evenwood are without injured midfielder Ian Lowes at Easington.

Horden are without defender Allan Martin at home to Ashington, while Willington's recent signing, Christen Pries, returns to their squad at Thornaby, where they lost in the Vase a fortnight ago. Seaham striker Ian Matthews is doubtful for their home game with Northallerton, who are missing keeper Darren Poole.

Tow Law are on Durham Challenge Cup duty at Cleadon, and recall Andrew Sams in goal in place of the injured Gareth McNary, while striker Willie Moat will have a fitness test on a hamstring injury.

* Gianfranco Zola is backing John Terry to bounce back from the disappointment of his first appearance of the season on Thursday night and force his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's England plans. Terry was back in the Chelsea team after recovering from a knee injury and a traumatic summer, during which he was cleared by a court of charges of GBH and affray. The 21-year-old defender had a mixed night as he scored for the Blues, but also made the mistakes which led to Viking's first two goals, as they dumped Chelsea out of the UEFA Cup.

But Zola is just glad to see Terry back in action, and said: ''John has always been a very important player for us and now that he is fit again it will benefit the team.

''We have never had a problem with John. He has always worked very hard in training and played his part on the pitch."