David Steel | 25th October 2023
Missed last night's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Blyth Spartans' game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
Blackwell Meadows under the lights! I'm pleased to say that our grant application for new floodlights is moving forward, and we expect to receive approval from the Football Foundation in the very near future. We have a contractor lined up so, all being well, the new floodlights should be installed before Christmas.
Tonight we take on our North-East rivals; Blyth Spartans. We have pretty decent home record against The Green Army, including a 6-0 thumping back in December 2020. Nevertheless, Blyth have started well under Graham Fenton, so it'll be a tough test.
Thanks to everyone who attended the recent Webinar. Hopefully, we answered the majority of questions and concerns raised by supporters in recent weeks. The main takeaway is that whilst results on the pitch have been below expectations, the Club is not in crisis and we're more determined than ever to be successful. We maintain a healthy financial position and have developed an excellent group of permanent and volunteer staff.
Whilst it's been a slow start, we firmly believe that Josh Gowling is the man to take us forward and we'll back him all the way. We've given a commitment to help Josh shape the squad to suit his philosophy and vision.
A mid-season Boost the Budget would be a massive help in this regard, and I'm heartened to see that many committed Darlo supporters would be willing to donate. More details to follow. It's our Club, we're in this together; let's continue to push forward.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Blyth Spartans. Enjoy the game!
DAVID SPEEDIE Q&A
YOURCLUB subscribers can enjoy an exclusive 40-minute video of an interview DFCSG Director Andrew Scullion recently conducted with David Speedie. David takes Andrew through his footballing journey, recounting his remarkable path from the coal mines of Yorkshire to achieving international and Premier League football fame across the 1980s and 1990s (including two successful seasons here).
David also joined us in hospitality recently for the King's Lynn game. To enjoy the interview, you simply need to sign into YOURCLUB, head to the 'YOURCLUB Content' section and click on 'David Speedie Q&A'. Stay tuned for other exclusive Q&A videos throughout the season.
DFC OWNER REGISTRATION
DFC Owner numbers continue to grow and, at time of writing, stand at a brilliant 1,271. As well as Darlington fans from around the world, our fan ownership group also includes the likes of Ben Hedley, Tommy Taylor, Toni Upton, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Gavin Worboys, Paul Ward, Peter Kirkham and Kasabian's Chris Edwards, all of whom have a say in how our football club is run.
If you're interested in becoming a DFC Owner, click here!
LAST CALL FOR THE DFCSG ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will take place this Thursday at 7.30pm in the Pease Suite of the Dolphin Centre. You must be a DFCSG member to attend.
The meeting will again be conducted in a hybrid format with members being able to attend in person or 'virtually' via Zoom. Unfortunately, the deadline has passed to register to attend via Zoom, but members will be welcome to pop into the Dolphin Centre.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Farsley Celtic on Saturday 4th November. As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 12pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £20 (£10 juniors) and adult non-members is £23 (£12 juniors).
The following Tuesday (7th November) we'll be making the trip down the A1 to Peterborough Sports. The coach will depart from Park Place at 3.15pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £24 (£12 juniors) and adult non-members is £27 (£14 juniors).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
