Darlington captain Craig Liddle is looking forward to better times at Feethams after the players and chairman George Reynolds put a lid on the controversy which began when the first-team squad walked out of a fan's forum last month.

The much publicised departure came after the chairman's wife, Susan, suggested in a 30-minute speech that some football matches are thrown by way of favours, but the defender, who is back on form despite suffering from two leg breaks this season, says peace has been restored.

At a meeting between players and the chairman on Monday the two parties agreed to bury the hatchet, and, as a consequence, Liddle believes the future now looks a little rosier.

He said: "It's time all of this was forgotten about because it's not been very enjoyable for anybody connected with the club.

"We've put everything behind us and we can see the chairman's point of view and he's right.

"The chairman has every right to look for an apology from the players for walking out because, as well as not helping the club's image, it's also put his wife Susan in awkward position so it's not been easy for her.

"After the meeting on Monday, we all know where the chairman is coming from. The meeting was very positive and the club feels like it's back to normal now - there's no bad blood between anyone.

"At the end everyone shook hands."

Meanwhile Darlington will be going overseas as part of their pre-season programme as Quakers visit the Isle of Man for three of this summer's pre-season friendlies.

Having competed in the Steam Packet Isle of Man International Football Festival in the summer of 2000, Quakers will return this July where Burnley, Wrexham, Luton and Rochdale will also be competing.

Played initially in two group stages, Darlington will come up against Rochdale and an Isle of Man team before going on to either a play-off, or a final match.

Fixtures: Isle of Man v Darlington (Sunday, July 21, 7.15pm); Darlington v Rochdale Tuesday, July 23, 7.15pm); Isle of Man v Rochdale (Wednesday, July 24, 7.15pm). Play-off, July 26; Final, July 27.

l Darlington have rearranged their reserve game at home to Stoke City for this Monday (7pm). l Paul Gascoigne's arrival in Burnley has sparked a rush of replica shirt sales to fans at Turf Moor.

The former England midfielder is due to make his debut tonight against Bradford after his arrival from Everton at the weekend.

And supporters have been hurrying to the club shop in the town centre to buy the number 34 shirt, which he will wear.

Such has been Gascoigne's impact that Burnley have only a few tickets left for the game tomorrow, and a crowd of about 20,000 is expected.

The club's training sessions at nearby Gawthorpe Hall usually attract only the proverbial one man and his dog.

Clarets fan Ian McDermott said: ''Gazza's arrival is a great boost for the club and the town.

''Even if his presence gives the team just an extra 15 per cent then that should help."

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