Gray knows derby glory may lead to the ultimate prize

But there is no danger of Martin Gray underestimating the importance of today's match, quite the opposite in fact.

Quakers' joint caretaker manager says he "loves these games" and cannot wait until 3pm comes at Victoria Park. Furthermore, he believes his club has a score to settle.

Darlington have played 189 games since September 14, 2002, but the 4-1 defeat suffered that day still rankles, as do Taylor's pre-mach comments which stuck in the craw of Quakers' fans.

"I know it's a derby game but for me it is simply a game against a team who are second in the League at the moment and they are second because they are a good side," said Taylor, who was sacked just over a month later.

"There's three points on the table - you don't get double points for winning a derby."

Tell that to Gray.

In charge of first-team affairs alongside Neil Maddison, who played in that defeat four years ago, Gray has a good record against Quakers' old foes at youth team level, winning their last five fixtures, and now he wants to transfer that form into the league.

With a successor to David Hodgson expected to be named soon, Gray is well aware that three points today would do his CV no end of good.

Asked about Taylor's infamous comments four years ago, Gray said: "He should have played in one, then he wouldn't have played it down! It's the best game of the season.

"I love these games. I played in Newcastle-Sunderland derbies, Oxford-Swindon as well, and Darlington v Hartlepool is right up there with the Newcastle-Sunderland games.

"The passion from both sets of fans is just as much as you get from Sunderland and Newcastle supporters.

"I've played in both sets of derbies and the passion from the fans is obvious, it is what these games are all about."

Including Matt Clarke, who is expected to go straight into the centre of defence alongside Joey Hutchinson, of the Darlington side likely to start this afternoon only three have faced Pools while wearing the black and white shirt.

But Gray has reassured Quakers' fans that his players will be aware of the status of the game. He said: "Believe me, they will be well and truly reminded.

"Fans love these games, derbies are the ones they look forward to and they mean more to fans than the other league games we play.

"It's been a while since we won there. It's important that we set the record straight and get a win over there.

"The passion is always a big part of the day. In these games you need players you can reply on to stand up and be counted.

"But you don't look back to how you did last time you played Hartlepool, you look back to how you did in your own last game, and last Saturday we won.

"I am not too concerned about what we did last time at Hartlepool, it is more about what we do now and the players are working hard and improving as a squad."

A month has passed since Hodgson was removed from the Quakers hot-seat and uncertainty due to off-the-field activities continues.

The Football League are yet to lay charges against the club as their investigation into Quakers' financial dealings is yet to conclude, but the hunt for a manager is expected to end early next week.

The club say former Doncaster Rovers boss Dave Penney is a contender but Gray has made it clear he wishes to make the step up from youth-team coach to first-team manager.

But for the time being he is happy to put all thoughts of personal ambition on the back burner and focus on a game that could make or break his chances of being named manager.

"We all know I want the job but right now Saturday's game is the most important issue and I want to win this game for the fans," said Gray, who wants his players to find the a balance between being aggressive and playing good football.

"Let's not get too side-tracked about having battles. I'm all up for that but we need to get the ball down and pass it as well as win our individual battles. We must have good discipline."