Welcome to Boost the Budget 2026/27!

"We go again, together..."

This one hurts. No point pretending otherwise. We came closer than we have in years. We believed it.

And for long stretches this season, we looked like a side ready to take that next step. Football doesn't always give you what you've earned.

So, what now?

At a club like ours, there's no reset button. No parachute payments. No safety net. There's just us. There always has been.

We'll say it straight: we've shown this season we can live with anyone in this division. Your backing is what turns that into a real chance of going up.

Not a guarantee - football doesn't do guarantees. But a proper shot. And that's what we're asking you to help us build.

This isn't a rebuild. The core is there - a side that's shown it can mix it with anyone.

Steve and Terry, staying and building. A season behind us that reminded everyone why they bother. Some new blood over the summer. Your backing behind it. That's how we go again.

Yes, we want the playoffs. Yes, we want that breakthrough. But think about what this season actually was. The wins that lifted the roof off the Tin Shed. The away days you'll still be talking about in ten years. The cold Tuesday nights when the noise didn't drop.

And underneath all of it - the ordinary stuff. The same walk to the ground. The same pint before kick-off. The same seat in the Main Stand you've had for years. The nod to the bloke next to you in the Tin Shed - stood there ten years, never learned his name. Your kid's first match. Someone else's last.

That's Darlo. That’s what we're funding here. Not a league position. Our club. The one we kept going when nobody else would. The Saturdays. The people. The rituals. The feeling of belonging to something that's properly ours.

A handful of results don't take any of that away.

So, here's the ask: back the club. Back the manager. Back the players. Back each other. Pledge what you can to Boost the Budget. Every pound goes straight into next season's playing budget - nowhere else.

When Darlington pulls together, we're a different animal.

We've seen it. We've felt it. Let's do it again.

WE GO AGAIN, TOGETHER...

Last May we were amazed at the £181,600 raised, and we just know that Darlo fans will dig deep again, hence a May 2026 Boost the Budget target of £180,000. 

Since its inception nine years ago, Boost the Budget investors have contributed over £1.1m to the club's playing budget; a staggering contribution, and the very definition of "fan ownership".

As always, we know that making a financial commitment to the club may not be possible at the level which you have invested previously. It is important we look after ourselves and our families first and foremost.

However, if you are fortunate enough to be able to invest for the coming season, it will make a significant and material difference to the playing budget and the targets we hope to secure.

As with previous years, any and all contributions are appreciated. However, due to an increase in individual transaction fees over recent years we ask that you consider minimising the volume of donations you make (looking at you, rounder-uppers!). Minimum levels have been introduced on each of the one off/weekly/monthly donations, but if this is going to cause an issue then please reach out.

As in previous years our BTB Rewards are back again – click here to see full details of what is on offer.

Let's aim for a successful 2026/27 season together! Thank you, once again, for your incredible support.