Story by Kevin Luff - 22nd March 2006
Hodgson has no worries about going to Barnet
Darlington boss David Hodgson says he has no worries about taking his squad to Underhill this coming weekend for the game against Barnet. This is despite the result last weekend in which Quakers were beaten 5-0 by Carlisle United. Darlington were unlucky to be behind at the break but two quick first goals killed off Quakers' hopes of getting back in the game.
Hodgson admits that the atmosphere on Monday morning was something of a damp one but having put his arm some of his players spirits he says have been raised. A relatively menial training drill carried out by the players gave Hodgson a further insight in the mindset of his players following the latest result and the manager said they all passed with flying colours.
"We had a talk and suddenly the kids were lifted back up"
Dave Hodgson on Quakers World
"I went in on Monday morning and initially at first it was a little bit flat," admitted Hodgson. "We had a talk and suddenly the kids were lifted back up. We've spoken to them all week about how well they've done and training has been fantastic. I put on a special drill yesterday which would have given me all the signs if some of them had lost it mentally - they all come through it."
The result against Carlisle United was again another big day to forget for Darlington supporters. The delayed kick off ultimately cost Hodgson the use of utility man Matty Appleby and from there the day never really got much better with another disappointing result in front of a large crowd the climax. Hodgson is unable to put his finger on why their have so many situations like this down the years.
"Whether it be fate or not I don't know," said Hodgson. "I don't know the answer as to why when we come in front of a big crowd we loose. I spent all my career in front of a big crowd. Personally I love it. The coaching staff, Maddo, Proc and Gray all played in front of big crowds. We all loved it. Why it happens to us I don't know, I honestly don't know."
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