Darlington Football Club 1970s Hall of Fame

On Saturday 2nd March 2025, prior to our NLN match against Brackley Town, the second tranche of individuals were inducted to the Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the fortunes of Darlington Football Club, specifically during the 1970s (the first tranche being the 1960s).

This project was first 'hatched' in early-2022 by DAFTS (Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters), who are a social group of exiled supporters. They have sponsored this project in conjunction with DFCSG.

In early-2024, DFCSG canvassed supporters for their 1970's nominations. DAFTS, after some lengthy deliberations in conjunction with the DFCSG Board, decided on a list of five inductees.

DFC Hospitality host Andrew Scullion was joined by Tony Waters and Ted Blair, both of DAFTS, to induct the following five individuals (with thanks to Doug Embleton for the below citations):

(1) Clive Nattress

Clive made 302 appearances mainly in defence between 1972 and 1980, scoring 15 goals.

Long serving defender who played in several positions but chiefly at right back. Never less than 100% committed. In one incident packed home game in 1980 against soon-to-be Division 4 champions Huddersfield Town, Clive recovered from a mix-up which had led to a penalty to score twice as Darlo fell to a narrow defeat.

(2) Colin Sinclair

Colin made 203 appearances as a striker between 1971 and 1976, scoring 59 goals.

Much loved pacy striker who was able to flourish in what were otherwise pretty mediocre times for the Club itself. The Scot's 21 goals in the 1975-76 season helped Darlo finish just one place above the re-election slots. In that October, he scored all four goals – what the papers called 'ruthless shots' – to beat Torquay on the road. Fondly known as "Sincy" by fans, he played under eight different managers and was voted in the supporters’ all-time dream team during the 'Farewell to Feethams' events.

(3) Les O'Neill

Les made 179 appearances in midfield between 1965 and 1970, scoring 35 goals.

Blyth-born diminutive midfielder signed from Newcastle United. His box-to-box approach and work-rate quickly endeared him to fans. During the 1966 promotion run-in, he formed a fabulous left-wing partnership with Don Ratcliffe. He went on to success in the mid-1970s as Carlisle United briefly hit the heights and later became a milkman, as well as a scout.

(4) Peter Graham

Peter made 166 appearances as a striker between 1970 and 1973, scoring 43 goals.

A graceful striker, signed on a free transfer from Barnsley where he had been a midfielder. He initially wore the No. 6 shirt for Darlington but soon claimed the No. 9 shirt. A deceptive player, not from the rough and tough school, he would "ghost" into scoring positions and formed a fabulous goal-scoring partnership with Allan Gauden and Alan Harding in the 1970-71 season. They notched up 43 goals between them.  In his next season he scored 20 goals before moving to Lincoln City. 

(5) Ron Ferguson

After signing from Sheffield Wednesday, Ron made 114 appearances at centre-forward between 1976 and 1980, scoring 18 goals.

A bustling centre forward who gave opposing defences a torrid time and created opportunities for team-mates. Although not prolific, his stunning late winner in a FA Cup 2nd round tie against Sheffield Wednesday in December 1976 was voted the best goal seen at Feethams. After the game, Ron called the 30-yarder "the goal of a lifetime".  

Clive Nattress and Colin Sinclair they were there in person to receive their award of a framed photograph with citation. Legendary 1960s 'keeper Tony Moor received the award on behalf of Les O'Neill, who was unavailable.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to trace Peter Graham and Ron Ferguson.

The 'Hall of Fame' will initially be in the form of this 'virtual gallery' here on YOURCLUB until such time that the Club is in the position to have a physical exhibition for fans to be able to view.

Shortly, we will be back to canvass supporters for their nominations for those players/officials/staff that made outstanding contributions to Darlington FC during the 1980s.