Four months ago Craig Liddle looked certain to have played his last game for Darlington.

After four eventful years at Feethams, the captain of an unsteady ship was all set to depart for new shores after a contract dispute with the Darlington hierarchy.

So certain was he of no longer being a part of the Darlington back-line, in which he has become a cornerstone in his four years at Quakers, that Liddle publicly addressed supporters to say his farewells.

After the end of the last home game of the season hundreds of Darlington fans gathered to hear him say: "I'd like to thank you all and I wish you luck for next season." And a week later following the season finale at Oxford, Liddle threw his shirt to the travelling supporters in what was seen as a gesture of appreciation for their tremendous backing.

But with the beginning of the new season just two days away - Darlington' are at Cambridge - Liddle remains the integral part of Quakers' defence that he has always been since joining in 1998.

As he prepares for his fifth season at Darlington, Liddle admits: "I'm very surprised to still be here at all. I did think I was leaving and it did look like I had played my last game for Darlington. There were one or two other clubs interested but nothing came of it and now everything is sorted out."

Last season he suffered, and then overcame, both a broken shin and then a cracked ankle in an act of defiance which posed the question that perhaps his commitment can sometimes verge beyond sanity and into stupidity.

But it's that dedication, as well as heaps of talent, that have secured him a place in every Darlington fan's heart so supporters will be delighted to hear he wants to stay at the club for the remainder of his contract, and he's even considering becoming a coach with the Quakers.

"All I ever wanted to do was stay at Darlington and I'm very happy to still be at the club," he said.

"Hopefully I can see out the two years I've got left on my contract and I'd like to think I've still got another four years playing left. After that, I'll just take it from there. I've passed my UEFA B coaching badge to give me a chance of staying in the game when I've finished playing. I'd like to coach at Darlington, that'd be ideal for me. I would like that but we'll have to see what happens in the future."

Apt words because two years ago Darlington were one of the best teams in the division until the manager and most of their best players departed, and since two less than mediocre years followed.

As a result, promotion from the Third Division remains the aim, and although Liddle admits that Darlington's squad is very young, he points out that the competition is less fierce than in previous years.

He said: "I've still got the same ambition I had when I joined. I'm as desperate to get promotion with the club, just as much as I was when I first signed.

"It's quite open, probably the weakest the division has been since I've been at Darlington, so if we get a good start we'll have a chance. Obviously, Hull, Rochdale and Hartlepool will be up there but after that there's not many teams that stand out.

"I speak to Micky Barron (Hartlepool captain) quite regularly because he's a friend of mine and they're really up for it so if we can keep close to them we won't be too far away from the top."

It shouldn't be forgotten that Liddle has achieved hero status not only because he's very good at his job, but also because there hasn't always been too much competition from his teammates. Afterall, the David Hodgson-led team of 1999/00 came and went far too quickly and in its place have been two less-talented squads.

Marco Gabbiadini, Neal Heaney and company were Liddle's peers three seasons ago. Maybe this season Barry Conlon, Neil Maddison and Mark Ford will provide the captain with the same rivalry for the fans' adoration.

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