DFC Fans' Forum Summary (supplied by Chris Stockdale & David Steel)

Central Hall, Dolphin Centre | Wednesday 28th January 2026

Darlington Football Club held a fans' forum at Central Hall in the Dolphin Centre, chaired by Stuart Armstrong. Supporters asked questions across two main areas: 'on the pitch' matters (such as team news, tactics and recruitment), and 'off the pitch' matters (including club finances, stadium planning, governance and supporter initiatives).

On the panel were Steve Watson, Terry Mitchell, and DFC board representatives David Johnston, Chris Stockdale, Jonathan Jowett, and Jon Saddington (DFCSG Chair and DFC board representative).

The club confirmed the evening was being recorded, with a summary and transcript to be shared on club channels afterwards.

1. 'On The Pitch' Update

Injuries and Squad Fitness

Supporters asked for an update following the previous night's match and concerns about injuries. Steve Watson said there were no immediate serious issues identified, but the squad would be fully assessed at training. The main concerns mentioned were:

• Will McGowan - described as the most worrying, with the situation still to be assessed properly at the next session.
• Cedric Main - a dead leg, expected to settle.
• Aidan Rutledge - an ongoing toe issue, expected to be manageable.
• Will Hatfield - long term injury

There was also positive news on players returning:

• Jack Maskell - returned to the pitch for around half an hour and was described as a massive boost.
• Scott Barrow - expected back in training after injury and a family bereavement, with hope he could be available to start soon.
• Elliot Forbes - missed out with illness but was expected back around the squad.

Will McGowan Situation

Supporters asked whether the club was trying to sign Will McGowan permanently.

Steve Watson said the club had done everything asked of them to try to complete the deal, but the situation had changed more than once and was ultimately out of Darlington’s control. He said the expectation now is that a permanent move is more likely to be possible in the summer, though competition could be stronger by then given McGowan’s performances and contribution this season.

Goalkeeper Change and Loans

Supporters asked about the goalkeeper situation following a recall.

Steve Watson explained that Pete Jameson had been recalled by his parent club. The club had prepared for this possibility and moved quickly to bring in a replacement, with the aim of adding experience for the run in.

The club confirmed that Rory Watson has joined from York City, having previously been on loan at Scunthorpe United earlier in the season.

More broadly on loans, Watson explained that loan players may continue training with their parent club during the week, which can be a benefit in terms of fitness and intensity.

Managing workload is important, and communication between clubs is key to avoid players being over trained.

Darlington's approach to giving young loanees minutes has helped build trust with parent clubs.

Alfie Myers Smith Loan Progress

Supporters asked about Alfie Myers Smith, who impressed in pre-season before injury and is currently out on loan.

Terry Mitchell said Alfie has done well during his loan spell at Shildon, with the aim being to give him regular minutes so he returns ready to contribute. A decision will be taken after reviewing his situation with the loan club and the player, including whether it is the right time to bring him back given Darlington’s upcoming schedule.

Steve Watson added that Alfie's profile suits the current system, with the ability to play aggressively in wide roles while also being disciplined when the team needs it.

System change and form

A supporter asked about the switch to playing with three centre backs and why it has worked.

Steve Watson said the system better suits the squad's strengths and helps the side play with a more attacking mindset. He highlighted that it allows:

• Better use of the team's options in wide areas
• A role that gets the best out of Will McGowan
• The ability to play with two strikers, which many opponents are less used to facing

Terry Mitchell added that systems must fit the players available, and the current shape has brought out strong performances, while the group remains open to adapting when needed.

Striker Selection and Competition

Supporters asked how the forward players are managed and rotated.

Steve Watson said the focus is on form and impact, including who is scoring, creating, helping the team play higher up the pitch and retaining the ball. He described the different strengths of the forward options and said the competition for places should benefit the team over the remainder of the season.

Telford Cup Defeat Reflection

A supporter asked what went wrong in the heavy cup defeat referenced during the forum.

Steve Watson said preparation had not been different, but the match became a perfect storm of mistakes and momentum. He described it as the worst day of his football life, but stressed the importance of responding properly, learning from it, and moving forward rather than over-reacting.

Recruitment and Squad Limits

Supporters asked whether the club could add defensive cover.

Steve Watson and Terry Mitchell said the club would only add if it genuinely improved the group and fit within budget and squad constraints. They highlighted loan limits and the difficulty of bringing in additional loan players who then cannot be used regularly. Free agents or players becoming available in the right circumstances were described as the more realistic option.

Analyst Role

Supporters asked about changes to the analyst role.

The club confirmed that Alex Jenkins and Jamie Lauder have moved on. Michael Evans is now the club's analyst, with the management team noting that the workload increases significantly during busy Tuesday/Saturday periods. They acknowledged that additional support in this area would be helpful given the part time structure.

Jack Maskell Development and Contract Position

Supporters asked about Jack Maskell's improvement and contract situation.

Steve Watson praised Maskell's progress and described how he has developed into a more complete player, both on and off the pitch. The club confirmed there is an option in place to extend his contract by one year, taking him to the end of the 2026/27 season, and that discussions are ongoing regarding his longer-term future.

2. 'Off the Pitch' Update

If Promotion Happens, What Changes Financially?

A supporter asked how the club would cope financially if promoted.

David Johnston said the step up is significant. He referenced:

• A current playing budget of approximately £420,000 from the club's most recently published accounts for the 2023/24 season
• Additional National League costs such as travel and overnight stays
• Typical wage levels in the division above being substantially higher

He said the board's priority is to progress without putting the club at risk, and that increased revenues would be needed through stadium related commercial growth and broader income streams.

External Investment

Supporters asked about the possibility of outside investment and how that would work within a fan owned club.

David Johnston said the club is not currently seeking investment but does receive inbound approaches. Any credible proposal would be carefully evaluated, with the DFCSG board and members involved in the process. Maintaining supporter control was described as a guiding principle, while recognising that external investment may need to be considered in the future to compete higher up the pyramid.

Stadium Planning Update

Supporters asked about the former Arena option and the timeline for alternative plans.

David Johnston confirmed the Arena option is no longer active. He explained that work has continued behind the scenes with the wider professional team involved in previous discussions, and that key meetings are expected in the next two to three weeks to explore strategic options. He acknowledged that sensitivities mean not everything can be shared publicly until the appropriate time.

Supporters also asked whether investment is required specifically for a new ground. Johnston said external investment could accelerate or enhance what can be delivered, but the club's focus is on securing firm agreements first before assessing funding options.

Matchday Experience at Blackwell Meadows

Supporters asked whether there are plans to improve the matchday experience at Blackwell Meadows if the club remains there longer than hoped.

Jon Saddington said ideas have been explored, including improvements to facilities, but cost remains a key consideration. The club has been cautious about committing significant funds without clarity on longer term stadium plans. He added that grant funding opportunities would be considered if they become available.

Chris Stockdale added that attendances and matchday income are tracked closely, and that improving the matchday experience remains important for supporter enjoyment and revenue growth.

Playing Budget and Boost the Budget

Supporters asked how Darlington's budget compares to other clubs.

Chris Stockdale said it is difficult to know exact budgets elsewhere, but Darlington is likely positioned in the upper mid-table range. He highlighted that Boost the Budget contributes a significant proportion of the playing budget and makes a meaningful difference to competitiveness.

David Johnston added that the club operates transparently, with all wages and payments handled properly through the books, and that Darlington is working to align itself with the financial governance standards expected higher up the football pyramid.

Jon Saddington also shared an idea for supporters to consider, a possible optional mid-season contribution pot – separate to Boost the Budget – which could provide flexibility in January without public fundraising campaigns signalling transfer intentions.

Board Skills and Involvement

Supporters asked about strengthening the board's skill set.

David Johnston said the club welcomes people stepping forward through the established supporter led processes, and that additional expertise is always valuable given the scale and complexity of the work involved.

DFCSG and Quaker Savers

Jon Saddington shared an update on DFCSG membership ambitions and encouraged supporters to join, noting that any surplus can be passed directly to the football club.

He also highlighted the Quaker Savers scheme, driven by local business participation, which offers discounts to members and owners while strengthening the benefits of being part of a fan owned club.

Social Media and Criticism

A supporter asked how the club's staff and volunteers cope with criticism online.

David Johnston said criticism is part of football, but much of the work being done requires discretion until deals are ready to be communicated. He added that personal abuse is never acceptable, and that the club remains focused on doing the right thing for Darlington Football Club.

Closing Remarks and Thanks

Stuart Armstrong thanked supporters for attending and for the constructive tone of the questions throughout the evening. The panel also thanked supporters for their continued backing.

A final mention was made to place on record a sincere thank you to Gavin Ellis, who has raised significant funds for the club over many years through quizzes and other fundraising efforts. His most recent event has now taken place, but his contribution to Darlington Football Club over a long period was warmly acknowledged.