MICK TAIT is hoping for a happy return when he makes the trip to high-flying Oxford United with Darlington tonight.

The caretaker Quakers boss began life as a professional footballer when he signed forms with Oxford in 1974.

And now Tait, nearly 30 years on, goes back as a manager to try to end Oxford's impressive unbeaten run.

Ian Atkins' side, who can go third if they claim victory tonight, have not lost a Third Division game at the Kassam Stadium since October 10.

And Tait is looking forward to travelling down to the City, although the Manor Ground where he used to play his football is long gone.

"It's changed a lot since I was there as a player," said Tait, who scored 23 goals in 64 appearances from midfield for the Us during 1974-77.

"When I was there, Oxford were at the Manor Ground and now they have moved to the new stadium and that's progress.

"We are in the middle of doing that ourselves at Darlington and that's football now - it's all about making progress.

"I was only 16 when I was there, I had just left school and I had to move away from home so it was a big step for me.

"But I loved it down there. I was prolific back then and I scored over 20 goals!

"It was a really good time for me."

Tait's return to Oxfordshire is not ideal. He has three first team players - Barry Conlon, Clark Keltie and Stuart Whitehead - ruled out through suspension.

But the Quakers chief, who hopes his side can bounce back from the demoralising FA Cup exit to non-league Farnborough Town ten days ago, insists it will be a great opportunity for fringe players to stake their claim.

Tait singled out young midfielder Keltie for special praise and the Feethams boss believes he will be a big miss.

"Clark has been outstanding since I put him into the side," he said. "He has come in and shown a great attitude and the ability we always knew he had.

"But we are going to have to make three changes because of the suspensions and that's just the way it goes.

"We have Neil Wainwright out on Saturday, so we could do with this game being on or we will have four suspended for the match with Kidderminster.

"But it's up to the players who come in now and do a job. They have to try to win their places."

Tait, who has only tasted defeat twice since taking over the reins since Tommy Taylor's departure, welcomes back goalkeeper Andy Collett from injury.

And Tait said: "He is a big part of our team, if he was a few inches higher he would have been playing in the Premier League now.

"He is rightly regarded as one of the best keepers in our league."

Darlington have not lost in the League since November 9, but Tait believes they will have to be on their guard tonight - the game rearranged after Saturday's postponement.

Oxford are unbeaten in six in Division Three and Tait insists his players are going to have to work hard if they are to break down Atkins' rearguard.

"Oxford are not an out and out attacking side," he said. "But they get results and Ian seems to concentrate on arranging a very organised defence. They are doing well."

Read more about the Quakers here.