NEIL ASPIN is expecting a rough ride at Darlington this afternoon.

But Hartlepool United's former Feethams favourite is hoping for a touch of leniency.

Six weeks ago, Aspin joined a select band of first-team players to make the short trip along the A66 to sign for arch-rivals Pool.

Despite making a swift return to his former home this afternoon with Chris Turner's side, he hopes the fans will go easy on him.

Aspin left after a much-publicised bust-up with Quakers' chief George Reynolds and quickly found a new home at Victoria Park.

And the 35-year-old admitted: "At the time it was a complete shock to leave, I wasn't looking to go. I think there will always be people who will have a go and give me stick but I am sure they wouldn't if they knew all the facts - they would be on my side.

"You always look forward to playing in derby games, they have a special atmosphere, but it will be a bit different for me to go back there.

"But with the players we have here and the competition for places we don't know what the team will be - I might not even be involved.

"Not just speaking personally but for everyone it is a big game. I said when I left that I had a good relationship with the Darlington fans when I played there and they always got behind me.

"There has been a lot said since I left but the situation remains the same. I was delighted to go to Hartlepool and it has been a very, very good choice for me.''

"In my first derby game for Darlington, Hartlepool were more up for the game and then we realised in the play-offs that we had to match that effort.

"Now I feel that especially with Mick Tait going there as well as the fact that they need to salvage a bit of pride for their fans they will be fired up.

"Since I came to Hartlepool I have noticed that everyone - especially the fans - are up for this game and really want to win it and that is reflected in the way the players are always up for it.''

The team Aspin left behind has altered dramatically in recent weeks as Quakers aim to stave off the threat of relegation and Aspin added: "Some of the players I played with are not in the team, but they had a good result at Carlisle last week.

"They have brought in four or five new players since I left and obviously strengthened the squad. They have got some good players there.

"I still speak to some of the players because we were a very close-knit bunch and players speak to players in the game all the time.

"It's no secret about what has happened there since last season and we desperately want to come away with a win.''

Aspin was the latest in a group of players to depart Feethams as the play-off side from last season was unceremoniously broken up following the Wembley defeat by Peterborough.

And after David Hodgson and his players moved on to pastures new, Aspin admitted: "From the team we had last year we always knew that it would be a hard season.

"We lost the goal power and strike force from the team. It's very, very hard to take 40 or 50 goals out of a team, not really replace them and expect to do well.

"We had a reasonable start this season and beat Nottingham Forest when we were unbeaten in the League - things looked like they were going well but I think those results papered over the cracks.

"I'm not knocking Darlington because the dispute I had was nothing to do with anyone but the chairman - not the football club.

"I said when I left that I spent eight years at Leeds and ten at Port Vale, I'm not the sort of player to move from club to club.

"I saw my future there, I was helping out with the reserves and I hoped to carry on playing and get more involved on the coaching side. I couldn't foresee what was going to happen, everything took me by surprise.

"I have never said anything detrimental about Darlington, I said when I left what I wanted to stay.

"But I would like to say that since I came to Hartlepool I have been very impressed with the set up and with the manager as well.

"The club is heading in the right direction, it is very professional off the pitch and the future looks well.

"I sense a good atmosphere among the players and the fact that we have had a settled team has helped.

"Going 16 games unbeaten is a massive achievement and it speaks volumes for the staff and players. Now we desperatley want that run to continue.''

"When I first came here I said I was coming as cover for the three centre-halfs and that is still the same situation.'