WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON

Good evening and welcome to Blackwell Meadows for the visit of AFC Fylde.

No doubt our visitors will give us a tough game, as they always do. With former Curzon Ashton Manager, Craig Mahon in charge, we know from past games against Curzon how well organised they will be. 

If you are reading this piece, there's a very good chance that you have read the Club's statement on progress on a potential new ground for the Club.

Whilst the recent delay is disappointing, this doesn't impact on my resolve as the DFCSG's representative on the DFC Board to provide my support and endeavours to help deliver a satisfactory solution for the Club.

Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of AFC Fylde.

QUAKER LOTTERY

I'm pleased to report that DFCSG's Quaker Lottery is going from strength to strength in the very capable hands Pete Ashmore.

As a result of a recent upturn in participants (the largest number since inception in 2012) the proceeds from Quaker Lottery are now providing contributions to Darlington Football Club of £1,600 per month.

Each month there is a chance to win a prize of £1,000, also there are 8 chances to win a prize £50. So, if you’re not already in it, why not join? The cost is only £5 per month per number. For more information click here or email lottery@darlingtonfc.org.

MORECAMBE FC

In the last programme I reported on the Football Governance Bill achieving Royal Assent legislating for the introduction of an Independent Football Regulator, and that regulator would be tasked with protecting our clubs from reckless. I then alluded to ongoing problems at Morecambe FC (who are situated just up the road from our visitors this evening).

However, I am happy to report that on Thursday, Morecambe's current owners, the Bond Group led by Jason Whittingham, have come to an agreement in principle to sell the club to an investment group, the "Panjab Warriors".

Hopefully the deal has progressed sufficiently to persuade the National League to lift their threat of expulsion, which is due on Thursday.

DFC FAN OWNERSHIP

We were delighted to hit the 1,300 DFC Owners mark for the very first time last season and we want to keep that number growing across the 2025/26 season. Our next target is 1,500 Owners!

The raising of just over £180,000 in May for the latest Boost The Budget campaign was yet another extraordinary example of what this Club's owners and fans will do to support the team on the pitch. These critical funds have gone towards providing Steve and Terry with a competitive budget for this season and helped to facilitate the signings of players such as Aidan Rutledge, Tom Allan, Josh Scott and Will McGowan in pre-season.

So, if you’re not part of the DFCSG/DFC fan ownership community, click here to read more about the benefits of being a DFC Owner and sign up today!

TRAVELLING AWAY ON THE SUPPORTERS’ COACH

Our next scheduled away trip is on Saturday 23rd August, when we make the long trip to King's Lynn Town. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).

The following Saturday (30th August) we make travel to Macclesfield FC. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors). This will be our first trip in 15 years to the Moss Rose Ground, where we won 2-0 with goals from Ian Miller and Michael Smith. Alas, at the end of that season we were relegated from the EFL.

All bookings will need to be done via the DFC App (click on 'Shop'). We would urge supporters to remind themselves of our Conditions of Travel, particularly those under 18, at https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/away-travel-conditions-of-travel