MATT Clarke is under no illusions regarding the unenviable task that lies ahead in replacing Darlington legend Craig Liddle as captain this season.

Liddle announced his retirement from the game during the summer after seven-and-a-half years at the club, where he made 322 appearances.

In that time Liddle earned cult status among Darlington fans with the kind of dedication that epitomised a captain's role.

Now that responsibility rests on the shoulders of 24-year-old Clarke.

"When I was young I always wanted to be captain and this is a brilliant accolade for me," said Clarke.

"Craig was a great captain for the club and he will be difficult to replace. I've learnt a lot from Lidds and if I can do half as well as he did then I will be very proud of myself.

"The manager has shown faith in me to captain the team and it's up to me to show him that I can take the responsibility."

Clarke's elevation marks the end of a contrasting 12 months for the Leeds-born defender. It was during last year's pre-season preparations that Clarke was told he could leave by manager David Hodgson after receiving an approach from Notts County.

And, even after County pulled out of a deal once Clarke had agreed terms - they signed Rob Ullathorne instead - the stopper's future still seemed away from Darlington.

But, after starting last season as an emergency striker, Clarke went on to become Quakers' defensive linchpin in the absence of Joey Hutchinson and Liddle.

Clarke was rewarded for his performances with a one-year contract extension during the summer and recently moved to the North-East, further signalling his commitment to the club. Hodgson had made it known that he was unhappy that Clarke was driving from his home near Leeds every day.

"I've enjoyed my time up here and I feel that my form has progressed," said Clarke, who is sharing a Darlington flat with summer signing Simon Johnson. "The manager was keen for me to stay and it's nice to feel settled up here."

And, while Clarke looks forward to life in the North-East, the 6ft 3ins defender is upbeat about Quakers' League Two prospects.

"You can feel the expectation around the camp and I think the hunger is there," said Clarke. "It feels right and hopefully, touch wood, this will be our year.

"There's a lot of hard work to be done, but if we can continue the progress we've made in pre-season then I'm confident we can improve on last season's finish.

"We'll definitely be giving it a good go this year."

Clarke has also been encouraged by the way in which manager Hodgson's new-look squad has adapted during the summer.

"We've gelled together really well and we are expected to do well this season," said Clarke.

"There is a good understanding within the squad and I think it shows in the way that were passing a lot sharper."

Clarke could not help David Bell from levelling on the hour mark after Quakers had led through Clyde Wijnhard's spot-kick two minutes earlier.

"It is disappointing to come away with a draw, especially when we were a goal up and looked in control," said Clarke.

"We really felt comfortable at the back and we never thought that we would concede. Their lad scored a good goal but it really could have been prevented.

"It's still only early days but if we can get three points against Stockport then four points out of six doesn't look too bad."

Quakers may have left Nene Park with maximum points had Clarke's 88th minute header found the right side of Jamie Young's Rushden goal.

"I tried to glance it but I should have got more on the ball," said Clarke. "It's always disappointing to miss a good chance, but to do it so late on was even harder to take."

Read more about the Quakers here.