DFC Hall of Fame - Nomination Invitation (80/81 - 89/90)
Were you watching Darlo during the 1980s? If "yes", then please read on as we need your help!
The second group of nominees were inducted to the Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame at the beginning of March 2025. These are players who had represented the Club specifically during the 1970s.
We are asking fans to get involved again by nominating individuals who made an outstanding contribution to their enjoyment as a Darlington fan during the 1980s by completing the simple form below.
Those with careers with Darlington FC that started in the late 1970s and extended into the 1980s, or perhaps started in the 1980s and extended into the early 1990s would still be eligible. However, players would need to have made a minimum of 40 appearances in their time with Darlington. Similarly, managers, coaches or officials, would need to have spent a minimum period of one full season with the Club to be eligible.
Nominees could have had a long and distinguished career or be renowned for specific qualities or achievements.
Each fan is entitled to submit a maximum of five nominations – to enable this, *please fill out the form below five times* to make your five nominations (one form submission per nomination).
Nominations close at 6pm on Monday 24th March 2025.
DFC in the 1980s
To help jog your memory, the 1980s were a bit of a roller coaster for the Club. The early part of the decade was largely uneventful with four mid-table finishes on the bounce. But all that changed in the 1984-85 season when new manager Cyril Knowles led the Quakers to their first promotion in nearly 20 years. Their stay in the 3rd tier of English football only lasted two seasons before they were back in the bottom division.
Then disaster struck only two seasons later, when they were relegated from the Football League. However, under the leadership of manager Brian Little, they came storming back by winning the Vauxhall Conference League at the first attempt in 1989-90 season.
Success in cup competitions was limited. Quakers reached the FA Cup 4th Round in successive seasons. Firstly, in 1983-84 season going out narrowly 2-1 Plymouth Argyle, after disposing of non-league opposition of Mossley, Altrincham, and Maidstone United. Then in 1984-85 season going out 0-1 at non-league Telford United, following Darlo’s epic 2-1 Third Round Replay victory over neighbours Middlesbrough.
Darlington had a raft of talented players whose sparkling performances secured moves to advance their careers, as well as generating much-needed income for the Quakers. Those that spring to mind include:
Fred Barber; Mitch Cook; David Currie; Alan Roberts; Peter Skipper; Kevan Smith; David Speedie; Alan Walsh; Paul Ward; Jimmy Willis.
In addition, there was a host of 'mainstays' that spent several seasons with the Club and became firm crowd favourites including the likes of:
Carl Airey; John Borthwick; Harry Charlton; Drew Coverdale; David Cork, John Craggs; Pat Cuff; Paul Emson; Gary Gill; Frank Gray; David Hawker; Mark Hine; Gary Hyde; Peter Johnson; Alan Kamara; Phil Lloyd; Garry MacDonald; Les McJannet; Dave McLean; Gary Morgan; Mark Prudhoe; Peter Robinson; John Stalker; Kevin Stonehouse; Kevin Todd; Steve Tupling; Harry Wilson; Gary Worthington.
The stand-out managers over this decade were Cyril Knowles (first promotion 19 years) and Brian Little (two promotions in successive years).
Of course, you may have other favourites that you think should be considered for our Hall of Fame. If you're not sure about which seasons they were with the Club or whether they played sufficient matches, then don't worry – we have the record books to verify eligibility.
To complete the form below, you need to be logged in to your YOURCLUB account. If you have forgotten your password please email neil.raper@darlingtonfc.org.
If you don't already have a YOURCLUB account, it is free to register as a 'fan'.
More About Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame
In March 2022, DAFTS ('Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters') launched the start of a project to create a Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame.
The 'Hall of Fame' will be a physical and virtual display commemorating former players and officials of Darlington Football Club who deserve such recognition for their outstanding contributions to the fortunes of the Club.
For each 'inductee' to the HoF there will be a framed image complete with a citation. Until such a time that the Club has suitable permanent premises, DFCSG will keep the (electronic) artwork safe, ready to produce the framed images just as soon as premises are made available.
Meanwhile, there is a 'virtual' version of the HoF that is accessible to supporters via YOURCLUB and a framed memento of the induction will be presented to the recipient or their representative.
This is initially a five-year project carried out in distinct phases with the intention of populating the HoF with inductees from the Club's formation in 1883, through to current times. For the phases within 'living memory' we are directly involving the Clubs fans.
The first tranche of nominees (from the 1960s) were inducted in November 2023, and the second tranche of nominees (from the – 1970s –) were inducted at our recent home match against Brackley Town at the beginning of March 2025.
For the phases covering the periods outside living memory (ie between 1883 and 1960), we have pulled together a team of researchers comprising DFCSG Director – Mick Dawson, Northern Echo Reporter - Craig Stoddart, Club Media Manager - Ray Simpson and Club Historian - Frank Tweddle, who have kindly agreed to scour the record books and publications to identify potential inductees.
The HoF project is sponsored by DAFTS with support from DFCSG.
