David Steel | 14th April 2024
Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Farsley Celtic game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
Any club from 15th place downwards could drop into the Northern Premier League, in the closest relegation battle from many seasons. 'In form' clubs stand the best chance of avoiding the drop and two wins on the bounce puts Quakers firmly into that bracket.
Today's match against Farsley Celtic feels like a cup final, with the winner likely to secure their place in National League North.
At the time of writing, the Celt Army occupy 21st place in the league on 50 points. Their recent form has been poor, although a solid victory against Peterborough Sports suggests they're still fighting. As a fellow 'northern' cub, I think most fans would like to see Farsley survive, but clearly not at Darlo's expense!
Farsley are managed by Clayton Donaldson. The former Crewe, Brentford, Birmingham, Bradford City and York City striker is cutting his teeth in management and its proven to be a tough first season. Notable players include Ben Atkinson, who is top scorer with nine goals, Michael Coulson who signed from Scarborough mid-season, and Zan-Luk Leban (on loan from Everton); a decent keeper at this level.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to two 'Boost the Budget' campaigns this season. Without that investment there would be no Will Hatfield, Tom Platt, Toby Lees, Cameron Salkeld, Cedric Main, Scott Barrow, and Matty Cornish.
The circa £30k raised in January has helped Steve and Terry to get us to within touching distance of safety.
Thanks also for your tremendous support throughout the season. It's been tough, but the bigger picture is we're building a sustainable football club, one that we can all be proud of. Solid foundations are in place.
Our finances are stable, we have an experienced management team, a core group of committed players, a strong board room, and a dedicated volunteer work force. Let's smash these two games and then look forward to Season 2024/25 with renewed optimism.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Farsley Celtic FC. Enjoy the game!
YOURCLUB DFC MEN'S PLAYER OF MARCH
Cameron Salkeld is your YOURCLUB DFC Men's Player of March!
Cameron took 47% of your votes from a shortlist of ten player options, beating Cedric Main (23%) and Matty Young (16%) into second and third place respectively. Well done Cameron, especially on those five goals in the month!
Thank you to everyone who voted and look out for the YOURCLUB DFC Men's Players of April poll in early May.
DFC FAN OWNERSHIP
Why not join 1,250+ other DFC Owners, including the likes of Ben Hedley, Tommy Taylor, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Peter Kirkham, Gavin Worboys, Paul Ward and Kasabian's Chris Edwards, all of whom have a say in how our football club is run?
For just £25 a year (or £2.09 a month) you can gain access to a range of benefits/offers as well as feeling the pride and passion of knowing that you own YOUR football club! You have a proper say in how DFC is run. How many football fans around the world can genuinely say that?
If you're interested in becoming a DFC Owner, click here!
PREMIERSHIP SEASON TICKET PRICE HIKES
In the last programme we mentioned the disquiet amongst the season ticket holders of the Premiership clubs who have announced significant price increases for next season.
Manchester City fans have continued to speak out against their club's plans to hike ticket prices next season by between 5% and 10% on the back of record profits of £80m.
The Manchester City Fans Foodbank reps described the rises as "unnecessary and cruel". Meanwhile the club had banned their atmosphere group after they displayed a "Record profits, record prices!" protest banner.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Next Saturday (20th April) we travel to Chester FC for our final game of the season and on behalf of the DFCSG Board I would like to thank Glen Bowes for his dedication over this and previous seasons in organising the supporters coach to all our away matches.
This season must have been very difficult for Glen without having the wonderful Mary sat beside him, as she had done for so many years. I would also like to thank the many fans that travelled on our coaches over the season – your support is very much appreciated.
The coach to Chester will depart from Park Place at 10am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).
For details on how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel' section, please click here.
